Pro Kabaddi 2023: Complete list of NYPs signed by the twelve franchises
PKL 2023 Auction will take place on September 8 and 9 in Mumbai. Ahead of the Pro Kabaddi auction, all teams received an opportunity to nominate New Young Players (NYP) to their squads.
The NYP category of players features the rising stars of the kabaddi world, who are aged between 18 to 22 years. They are eligible for NYP contracts in PKL if they have never participated in the Pro Kabaddi Auction before.
While seven teams have announced their NYPs, Bengal Warriors, Gujarat Giants, defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates and Telugu Titans are yet to reveal their signed NYPs.
Last season's runners-up Puneri Paltan have nominated four players to their squad in the NYP category. Right corner defender Dadaso Pujari, raider Nitin Kumar, right cover Tushar Adhavadhe and left corner defender Vaibhav Kamble are the four new players of Pune.
UP Yoddhas have signed Shivam Choudhary and Gagan Gowda as their NYPs. While Gagan Gowda had an impressive run at Yuva Kabaddi Series, where he won the best raider of the tournament, Shivam impressed the management at the trials.
U Mumba have picked three players from the Yuva Kabaddi Series as well, signing right corner Bittu, left cover Mukilan Shanmugan and right cover Gokulakannan M. Besides these, they have also nominated Sombir Goswami, who plays in the left corner. These signings have boosted their defense, which was much-needed.
Tamil Thalaivas, on the other hand, have signed a mix of raiders and defenders. They have nominated two right-raiders in Nitin Singh and Vishal Chahal from YKS. Their nominated NYP defenders include left corner Nitesh Kumar and right cover Ronak Kharb.
The Bengaluru Bulls have largely focused on defense as well, signing left corner Aditya Powar, left cover Parteek and Right corner Arulnathababu. They have added a left-raider in Akshit Dhull to provide some vareity in their attack.
The Haryana Steelers have taken an opposite approach, nominating three raiders and one defender. Along with right-raider Vishal Tate, they have signed two left-raiders in Shivam Patare and Jaya Soorya NS - all three who have performed well in YKS. In the defensive scheme of things, Steelers have added left corner Hardeep Kandola to their side.
Dabang Delhi K.C. have made some interesting signings, getting in 3 members of the Jr. World Championship winning team - Right corner Yogesh Dahiya, left corner, Ashish Malik and left raider Manu Deshwal. Along with these, they have nominated Himmat Antil, who can play the left cover.
Complete list of NYP players for Pro Kabaddi 2023
Bengaluru Bulls: Aditya Powar, Akshit Dhull, Parteek, Arulnathababu.
Dabang Delhi KC: Yogesh Dahiya, Ashish Malik, Manu Deshwal, Himmat Antil.
Haryana Steelers: Vishal Tate, Shivam Patare, Jaya Soorya NS, Hardeep Kandola.
Puneri Paltan: Dadaso Pujari, Nitin Kumar, Tushar Adhavadhe and Vaibhav Kamble.
Tamil Thalaivas: Vishal Chahal, Ronak Kharb, Nitin Singh, Nitesh Kumar.
U Mumba: Sombir Goswami, Mukilan Shanmugan, Gokulkannan M, Bittu Banwala.
UP Yoddhas: Shivam Choudhary and Gagan Gowda.