Sandeep Narwal: "I want to break into the Indian national kabaddi team"
At just a tender age of 22, Sandeep Narwal has made his name in the world of kabaddi with a spectacular all-round performance in the first season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). He started the first season as an unknown name and the season ended with his name on everyone's lips.
He outshone experienced and big names in the first season to help Patna Pirates finish 3rd in the first season. He scored a massive 92 points and amassed 26 points in defence in the first season and is raring to go in the second.
Sandeep Narwal spoke to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview over the phone. Here are the excerpts:
Q. How did you start playing kabaddi?
There are very good ex-kabaddi players in my village – Arjuna awardees. I used to watch seniors play kabaddi in the village and everyone back home used to play kabaddi. I wanted to emulate them and become a good kabaddi player.
Q. How has the PKL changed kabaddi?
Everyone knows kabaddi now. Earlier, even people in my village didn't really knew kabaddi. But, now with the PKL, everyone knows Sandeep Narwal and the other players. Even my neighbours were asking what is the PKL and everyone took interest when it started.
Nobody knew us before, now people are demanding photos, they know our name and now names like Rakesh Kumar are household names, so it is very good
Q. You scored 92 points while raiding and 26 in defence. You are an all-rounder, but do you prefer one over the other?
I play for the team and I can do both depending on what the team requires.
Q. Rakesh Kumar praised you in a recent interview. How does it feel to be praised by your captain?
It feels really good. I got an opportunity to play well for the team and I did it. And now if I get a chance again I will do even better.
Q. Who do you feel is your toughest opponent?
Manjeet Chillar. He is very strong. So it is tough to play against him
Q. A lot of foreigners are coming to play in the PKL. Is there more competition with their presence?
It feels good. We are looking at ourselves and want to do well and maintain our spot in the team.
Q. Do you prefer circle style kabaddi or the international rules kabaddi that is played in the PKL?
I have played this (international rules kabaddi) only and I love this format.
Q. Did you face any struggles while growing up?
There is a lot of competition in kabaddi and to reach the top, we have to practice very hard. One who works hard will become a good player and come up.
Q. The fans came in hordes to support Patna Pirates in the first season. What do you have to say to them?
I want them to continue supporting us in the second season as well just as they did in the first. And we want to come first this season.
Q. Last season against Bengaluru Bulls, you got 2 of their players out by jumping 5 feet 4 inches. Please elaborate
We needed points in that match and if I would have got out, it would have been bad for the team. So, I had thought beforehand that I will use this strategy if people close me down and I flew over the defenders when I saw them converging.
Q. Against U Mumba, once only you and Ravi Dalal were left on the court and Anup Kumar came to raid. You stopped him all alone. How did you manage that extraordinary skill?
I observed Anup Kumar the entire game and I saw what he was going for throughout the match. And when he tried the same thing again, I knew what I had to do and I stopped him by myself. It helped the team and I am happy to do my part.
Q. What are your aims for the future?
I want to emulate big players like Rakesh Kumar and break into the Indian team.
Q. What changes have Patna Pirates adopted for the 2nd season?
We have got some new players and we'll try to get them settled in the team quickly. So, they, along with the old players, will do our best and try to finish higher this season.
Q. Last season your defence was not up to the mark. Is it something you have earmarked to improve?
This time our defence is very good, one of the best!
Q. What do you think you would be doing if not for kabaddi?
I don't think I would be doing anything else other than kabaddi. It is my love.
Q. How do you feel that everyone knows you now?
I am extremely happy. I have become so popular, it is unreal. Even if I would have represented India in the Asian Games, people wouldn't know me as they do now. People's reaction towards me is unreal.
Q. With a good combination between Bollywood and kabaddi in the PKL, have you had a chance to meet your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite is Abhishek Bachchan and he was always there at all the matches. So it was good meeting him.