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Puneri Paltan captain Aslam Inamdar has shared an emotional story about how the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) transformed his life and helped him fulfill lifelong dreams.
Aslam's journey with Kabaddi began in 2010 when he was in the third grade. Inspired by his brother, who also played kabaddi, he pursued the sport despite his family’s financial struggles.
"My brother used to play kabaddi, and seeing him, I started. Our family's financial condition wasn't good. I worked wherever I got the opportunity to earn money, but I never stopped playing kabaddi," shared Aslam.
Although he didn’t feature on the mat in PKL Season 7, Aslam made a stunning debut in Season 8 for Puneri Paltan. Over three seasons, he racked up 507 points in 63 games, leading Pune to playoff appearances in each of those seasons, including a final in Season 9 and a title-winning run in Season 10. Inamdar captained the team in PKL 10 and will lead them again in Season 11.
Reflecting on how PKL changed his life, Aslam spoke of one of his proudest moments.
"My life changed completely when I came to PKL in Season 7. Now, I'm able to fulfill most of the dreams I had. One of those dreams was to take my mother for a ride in a four-wheeler that I bought myself. I was able to do this after Season 9. This was my dream—to make my mother travel in a car," he said.
Aslam’s success in kabaddi has impacted his family and his village. His achievements have inspired many young boys in his community to take up the sport.
"There are many boys on my ground already practicing. Many good players are also from my village. Now, three Pro Kabaddi players are playing for one team from my village, which is a matter of great pride," Aslam Inamdar added.
"Puneri Paltan was the first to start this concept in Pro Kabaddi" - Aslam Inamdar highlights the role of Yuva Paltan in the team’s success
Aslam Inamdar credited Puneri Paltan's Youth Academy, Yuva Paltan, for the team’s recent success. He explained how the academy system has produced strong players, contributing significantly to Puneri Paltan’s rise in PKL.
"In Season 7, our owner, Mr. Jay Kotak and our mentor, Ashok Shinde sir, had a meeting. They decided to start an academy in Mumbai for young players. Puneri Paltan was the first to start this concept in Pro Kabaddi. We kept 12-15 players for practice throughout the year," he shared.
Aslam believes this academy structure is a key reason for Puneri Paltan’s success, saying:
"We qualified for the final in Season 9 and became champions in Season 10, so that proves that this system works."
Aslam Inamdar will be in action in Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, starting Friday, October 18. Puneri Paltan will begin their campaign against the runners-up of PKL 11 Haryana Steelers on Saturday, October 19.
