"In every season, they say Fazel is finished"- Fazel Atrachali hits back at critics after completing 500 tackle points in PKL
Bengal Warriorz captain Fazel Atrachali sent a message to his doubters after completing 500 tackle points in Pro Kabaddi League on Tuesday. Atrachali became the first defender to achieve the feat in the tournament's history, and he recalled the days when teams would not give him a place in their playing seven during the early days of his career.
Speaking with reporters at the post-match press conference after the tie against Puneri Paltan, Bengal Warriorz skipper Fazel Atrachali commented on his unique achievement. He mentioned that he had never imagined he would be the number one defender of all time in PKL one day.
Further, Fazel added how several fans and experts wrote him off many times in his career but he is still going strong at the age of 32.
"I never imagined that one day I will be the most successful defender in the PKL. When I joined kabaddi, they said you are not good for kabaddi. They told me to go for another sport, but I gave it a chance because I loved kabaddi. From that day to this day, I remember in 2013, they said Fazel is not a good player, in 2016, they said Fazel is not a good player," Fazel said.
"In every season, they say Fazel is finished. Fazel is aging. He is over. Now, I'm 32 years old and I have 500 tackle points. I'm really happy because first time when I came here, nobody believed in me. I hardly got even one second to play on the mat," he concluded.
Fazel had 497 tackle points to his name prior to the match against Puneri Paltan. He scored three tackle points last night, with the third one being a successful tackle of Mohit Goyat in the first half.
"I don't think anyone will come close to him in the next few seasons"- Bengal Warriorz coach on Fazel Atrachali
Bengal Warriorz head coach Prashant Surve also attended the press conference, where he shared his views on Fazel Atrachali's achievement. Surve felt that no defender would come close to Fazel on the all-time list at least for the next few years.
"Fazel is undoubtedly the number one defender. He has proven himself. I don't think anyone will come close to him in the next few seasons. Also, I think Fazel will play for the next five to six years and end with a bigger record," Surve said.
Fazel Atrachali had a big smile on his face when his coach predicted that he would continue playing for the next five seasons. It will be interesting to see if Atrachali can complete 550 tackle points before PKL 2024 ends.