Interview with Wazir Singh: "We are ready and raring to go in Pro Kabaddi"

Puneri Paltan captain Wazir Singh

The second season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League got off to a flier as U Mumba narrowly edged the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the opening game held in Mumbai yesterday. After a high profile start featuring the two finalists of last season, Monday will see the battle of two teams who failed to impress during season one, when last year’s bottom team Puneri Paltan lock horns with the Teleugu Titans at the NSCI in Mumbai.

Wajir Singh, the Puneri Paltan skipper spoke to Sportskeeda about his side’s preparations and also about their desire to right the wrongs of last season, ahead of their first game against Telugu Titans.

Here are the excerpts:

Q. Puneri Paltan starts their season on Monday against the Telugu Titans. How prepared is your side for the new season?

We have had really good preparations ahead of the new season. Our team has trained really well and everyone has worked hard. We are raring to go and can’t wait for the season to begin. We know what happened last season and we are determined to improve our performances from last season. I am confident my team will have a really good season this time around.

Q. Puneri Paltan has plenty of young players in their side. How important do you think the young players are to your team?

The majority of our squad is of young players. We do have some experienced faces as well, but out contingent of young players is really good and I have full faith that they will deliver the goods when its needed. They are all excited to play in the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League and I am sure that will get the best out of them.

Q. Puneri Paltan finished in the last spot in season one. As a player, what different things you have to do this time around?

We have to focus on being good in all departments of the game. Offensively as well as defensively we have to perform really well. We have a good balance in the squad and our defence was one area where have improved from last season and I expect it to aid us through the course of the season and produce better results.

Q. Puneri Paltan lost both matches against the Telugu Titans last season. Will that affect your team’s mindset during tomorrow’s game?

No, I don’t feel that will have any effect on us. The first game which we lost was very close, but all that is history. This is a fresh start for us and losing both games to them last season will not affect us at all. In fact, I would say we are ready for them and will give them a tough time tomorrow.

Q. You are a sub-inspector in the CISF. How does that role help you in your role of captaining the side?

I am very clear with my role as a leader. As a captain, I have to motivate the players all the time and make sure they are up for the challenge. Being the captain, I have to help the young players a lot and tell them where they go wrong and ensure they learn from the mistakes.

Q. What is your target for this season?

When you are in the competition, you always want to win it. But, initially we must get to the semi-finals first and then see how we can get to the finals. So our target as of now is to reach the semi-finals.