Pro Kabaddi League Moves to Pune: Manpreet Singh Hails Maharashtra as Kabaddi’s Heartland

Noida, 30th November 2024: As the Pro Kabaddi League shifts from Noida to Pune, the competition heats up with teams closely packed on the points table ahead of the final leg of the season. Despite the tight race, one team that has displayed consistent performance is the Haryana Steelers, who remain at the top of the points table as they head to Pune.

In a discussion on the cultural significance of kabaddi, Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh highlighted Maharashtra’s deep-rooted connection to the sport. “Maharashtra is where kabaddi’s heart truly beats,” he said after his team wrapped up the Noida leg with an impressive 42-30 victory over the Tamil Thalaivas.

The coach emphasized the passion of Maharashtra’s fans for the game. “When you go to a match in Maharashtra’s stadium, people don’t just come to watch a team – they come to support kabaddi itself,” he said.
He further added, “When you play kabaddi or wrestling in Maharashtra, it feels like it’s connected to your very bones. You can sense its essence everywhere.”

Singh also acknowledged the inclusive nature of Maharashtra’s sporting culture. “When a skilled player performs, no matter which part of India they’re from, the people of Maharashtra open their hearts and support them,” he said.

The Tamil Thalaivas will aim to recover from their recent 42-30 loss against Haryana Steelers as they face Dabang Delhi K.C. at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the previous match, and players like Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik of Dabang Delhi K.C. will look to capitalize on this opportunity in their final Noida leg game.

The second match of the evening promises an electrifying clash between Bengal Warriorz and Patna Pirates. The Pirates will rely on their raiders to challenge the Bengal Warriorz, who are desperate to end their losing streak. Nitin Kumar will be the player to watch for the Bengal Warriorz as he continues to showcase his potential, despite lacking sufficient team support this season.

Match 1 – Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls – 8 pm
Match 2 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Telugu Titans – 9 pm

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.