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Jaipur Pink Panthers' defender Lucky Sharma shared his remarkable journey from being a young boy in Jammu and Kashmir to becoming a PKL champion in his very first season in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
The right-corner defender, who hails from Pouni Chak, a small village just 10 kilometers from Jammu, made history as the first player from his state to feature in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Lucky Sharma debuted for Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9 after being picked up for INR 10 lakh in the PKL auction.
Despite limited opportunities on the mat during PKL 9 and 10, where he played in 28 matches and scored 21 tackle points, Lucky’s potential was evident. Though he did not get to feature in the final match, he proudly lifted the trophy and became a PKL champion in his debut season.
Lucky Sharma opened up about his journey from a small village to the grand stage of PKL, the emotions of winning in his first season, and his plans for the upcoming PKL 11 season.
"I started playing kabaddi when I was in the 8th standard, in my village. There was an old team in our village, and watching them play inspired me to start playing. Gradually, I progressed and eventually got a job in the army. I trained there for a year, and after that, I resumed playing kabaddi. The army gave me a great platform to advance, and from there, I got into the team. I played for Services, then entered the PKL auction, and now I am playing in the Pro Kabaddi League," Lucky Sharma said.
His journey was supported by a strong family and community backing, with a rich sporting culture in his village.
"The environment at home was very supportive. In our village, even the older folks used to go and watch the matches. We had some really good matches back then, and army teams used to come and play in our village. So, the sports culture was strong, and my family supported me a lot. They never questioned where I was going or why I was playing. I was good at studies as well, and alongside that, I started playing kabaddi. My family gave me full support," he added.
Jaipur Pink Panthers had a stellar run in PKL 9, winning 15 of their 22 matches to finish first in the league standings. They went on to defeat Puneri Paltan 33-29 in the final, clinching the coveted PKL title. Although Lucky didn't feature in the final, lifting the trophy in his first season was a dream come true for the young defender.
"It was an extremely happy moment. Some players have been playing for 9-10 seasons but have never lifted the trophy. For me, it was my very first season, and I became a winner. I also got to play matches and showcase my talent, which made me really happy. It was a proud moment for me, and for my state, Jammu and Kashmir, to have someone who not only made it to the PKL but also won the trophy," Lucky continued.
When Lucky Sharma returned home to his village after the victory, the celebrations were immense.
"When I returned home after winning, my coaches and our local association gave me a warm welcome. They invited me as a chief guest at tournaments. My family and the whole village gathered to welcome me, and there was a great atmosphere of joy. We distributed sweets, and it was a really happy occasion for everyone," he noted.
Lucky Sharma to potentially be the first-choice right corner for Jaipur Pink Panthers in PKL 11
Despite the limited game time in his first two seasons, Lucky Sharma has been working hard to prove his potential. His main challenge was competing for the right corner position with Sahul Kumar, who was the first choice for Jaipur during PKL 9 and 10. However, with Sahul no longer part of the team, Lucky is aiming to step up as the lead right-corner defender.
"Last year, the focus was on Sahul Kumar in practice, and I used to feel that I could perform well too. But I kept working hard then, and I’m still working hard now. When I get the chance this time, I will give more than 100% to play well," the right corner said.
He also highlighted the importance of building a strong defensive combination with his fellow defenders, Iranian Reza Mirbagheri (left cover) and Ankush (left corner), who have been pillars for Jaipur’s defense.
"I’ve been playing with Reza for the last two seasons, and I’ve played several tournaments with Ankush too. I’m very comfortable playing with them, and we’ve been practicing well, so the combination is strong this time," Lucky shared.
The Panthers have added veteran defender Surjeet Singh to their squad for PKL 11. Surjeet, with 404 tackle points to his name, the most by any Indian defender in PKL history, has been mentoring the younger players, including Lucky.
"When we practice, there are times when I make mistakes, and as a young player, there’s always pressure on what to do and what not to do. Surjeet bhai explains everything calmly. He tells us that it’s okay to make mistakes in practice and helps me understand what to do instead. He shows me how to play the tackle and gives complete support. He motivates us a lot, saying, ‘You’re the player; you need to play and believe in yourself.’ He’s been really supportive," Lucky Sharma said.
With PKL 11 around the corner, Lucky Sharma is focused on contributing to his team’s success rather than setting individual targets. After Jaipur’s semifinal exit in PKL 10, Lucky and the team are determined to go all the way this time.
"I don’t have any personal targets as such. My focus is on giving my best for the team. I want to help the team win, and if the team wins, my personal success will follow automatically," he added.
Reflecting on last season’s shortcomings, particularly in defense, Lucky Sharma is eager to help the Panthers make the necessary improvements.
"We played well last year. We’re focusing on the mistakes we made in the semifinals, especially in defense. Arjun Bhai did his job perfectly in raiding, but we made some errors in defense. This season, we’re working on those areas to ensure we don’t repeat the same mistakes," Lucky Sharma concluded.
