"I started playing to get away from my studies" - Gujarat Giants raider Guman Singh after becoming a crorepati in PKL 11
Gujarat Giants raider Guman Singh recently revealed that he started playing kabaddi just to escape his studies. The 25-year-old today stands tall as one of the highest-paid athletes in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) after the Gujarat Giants signed him for a staggering INR 1.97 crore for Season 11. However, he wasn’t interested in kabaddi initially.
He said (via Outlook):
"I was fond of cricket but decided to switch to kabaddi after my uncle recognized my ability at a very young age. The PKL also started around the same time (in 2014), and everyone wanted to be on TV!"
"I started playing to get away from my studies, but when I realized the benefits, I decided to pursue this sport as my career," Guman Singh revealed," Guman added.
At the age of 15, the boy from Sherpur, Haryana, took a significant step, moving away from his family to join the Narwal Kabaddi and Sports Academy in Rindhana, about 150 kilometers from his hometown.
"It was initially hard because I was living away from them. But when I started training day and night, and I never took a break, I felt confident in myself," Guman recalled.
The hard work and sacrifice soon paid off, as Guman got his first big break in the PKL with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 7 (2019). Although his time on the mat was limited, featuring in just three matches, Guman cherishes the experience.
"I was lucky to get a chance with Jaipur Pink Panthers even before I played nationals. I did not get to play much, but I learned a lot," he said.
In 2021, he joined the Patna Pirates under the guidance of coach Ram Mehar Singh.
"You could say that season 8 was my breakout moment with the team. Coach Ram Mehar helped me improve my performance and made me a better Kabaddi player," he shared.
His contribution that season was crucial, as he racked up 95 raid points in 19 matches, playing a key role in Patna’s run to the finals. Guman Singh’s standout performance in the Season 8 final against Dabang Delhi KC, where he notched up nine raid points in a nail-biting 36-37 loss, highlighted his potential as a top raider.
After his success with the Pirates, Guman shifted to U Mumba for Seasons 9 and 10, where he emerged as one of the team's most reliable players. In Season 9, he accumulated 137 raid points and followed it up with an even better performance in Season 10, scoring 163 raid points in 18 matches.
"Kabaddi has given me everything" - Guman Singh reflects on his meteoric rise
In the same interview, Guman Singh acknowledged the life-changing impact of kabaddi, saying:
"Kabaddi has given me everything. Everyone knows and recognizes me now, and it gets very emotional. Pro Kabaddi League and Mashal Sports has changed our lives. Nobody knew us before, but now everything that we have is because of the league."
As the PKL Season 11 approaches, starting on October 18, Guman Singh is excited about this new chapter with the Giants.
"There is always going to be pressure. When I spoke to Coach Sahab, he told me not to take tension. He wants me to train with an open mind. When the coach is motivating you, then you automatically want to give your best for the team," he added.
Guman is optimistic about his future with the Giants, as he aims to take the team to new heights.
"I have played with a few people in my team and I have a lot to learn from them. We need to complement each other, make the team click, and ensure it works throughout the season," he concluded.