Pune’s shining light, Yogesh Hudda wants to be the best in Pro Kabaddi

Puneri Paltan youngster Yogesh Hudda

After ending the season 1 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi at the bottom of the pile, little seems to have changed in the Puneri Paltan’s fortunes. Defeats to Telugu Titans and U-Mumbai have left them reeling and the ghosts of last season seem to be coming back to haunt them.

But, amidst the gloomy looking picture of the Puneri Paltan, there has been one shining light in their camp in the shape of the Rohtak based youngster Yogesh Hudda. After notching up seven raid points in two games, Yogesh gave the men from Pune an ideal platform to grab the victory in both these games as the Puneri Paltan enjoyed a first half lead against the Telugu Titans only for it to be horribly wiped out in the second.

On the other hand, in an extremely tight encounter against U-Mumba, Yogesh had to be substituted after sustaining an injury which ultimately led to their demise, a result which would have been otherwise had Yogesh stayed on according to his bullish self.

“My injury came at a bad time. We were playing really well and I’m sure had I stayed on, we would have won that game,” said the in-form Puneri Paltan raider.

Yogesh has since found himself on the sidelines as he looks to pave a back to full fitness and continue to terrorize defenses as he has managed to do so far this season. But, he isn’t sure whether he will be able to feature against Dabang Delhi today.

“I am not sure whether I will play. I feel I have recovered 50% right now, nut I will see how I feel before the game and then decide,” said the man from Haryana.

Despite expected to miss out on two crucial encounters, Yogesh was particularly pleased with his performance but wanted to be the very best raider of the Pro Kabaddi League this season. “I am very happy that I was able to do well for my team. But I don’t want to stop here. I want to be the very best raider in the Pro Kabaddi League.”

Yogesh Hudda credits coach and captain for his form

Inspired by his uncle, who played kabaddi for the Indian national team, he always wanted to be a kabaddi player and has been lucky enough to find the right source of inspiration and training at the right time.

After being coached under the current Puneri Paltal coach Ashok Shinde for the last three years, the lanky Puneri Paltan raider was all praise for his mentor.

“Our coach Ashok Shinde has handled everyone really well. He was a fantastic player in his time and has great knowledge of the game, which has inspired the entire team. I’m sure he will get us winning games sooner rather than later”, said confident Puneri Paltan raider.

The coming in form of Yogesh Hudda has been a great pressure reliever for the captain Wazir Singh who had been the one man army for the Puneri Paltan. Yogesh though credits his success so far to his captain.

“The captain deserves a lot of credit for my form. He has been motivating me a lot to do well and that has helped to do well. He is a great player and its great to be playing with a player like Wazir Singh”, said Yogesh Hudda as he concluded his captain’s reverence.

With another back to back games coming up for the Paltan, Yogesh believes his side have nothing to worry ahead of their clash with Delhi Dabang and has faith in the team assembled by coach Ashok Shinde.

“The coach has brought in lot of good players this season and I am sure we will be winning plenty of games soon. We are a good side and I am going to give my all to make sure we win this year”, exclaimed the Haryana boy.

Yogesh Hudda is bullish about his team’s chances and if his belief is to hold reality, he will have had a he role to play in it. He is Pune’s shining light and he is shining very brightly now.