Mumbai: The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 opener, that also coincided with National Sports Day, turned into the cynosure of all eyes, as a number of sporting legends graced the mat in a special initiative by JioStar, the official broadcaster, celebrating sport with kabaddi at the heart of national pride. The occasion witnessed kabaddi legend Pardeep Narwal, Indian badminton Chief Coach Pullela Gopichand, hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay, Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya, and rising Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi coming together for the celebration.
Speaking exclusively to JioStar on the sidelines of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 action, badminton legend Pullela Gopichand shared his admiration for kabaddi, drawing parallels with badminton and reflected on the larger role of sport in inspiring national pride. From his experiences as a viewer to the thrill of kabaddi’s pace and intensity, Gopichand explained what makes sport special and why every victory matters for the nation.
On viewing kabaddi:
“I have watched quite a few kabaddi games, including the finals of previous seasons. So yes, I have had some good experience as a viewer. I feel lucky to have enjoyed some truly great games.”
On the thrill of kabaddi:
“Kabaddi is quick, and there’s action at every moment. You bat an eyelid and you might miss something big. That’s what makes it very, very exciting, and that’s what I really love about it. Of course, the aggression, the energy of the players, and the adrenaline in the arena make it a great entertainer.”
On similarities between kabaddi and badminton:
“I do believe there are a lot of commonalities between badminton and kabaddi. One of the most important aspects is agility, which plays a key role in both sports. The presence of mind to identify gaps is equally crucial. Strong legs, core strength, and abdominal fitness are fundamental requirements. And of course, the concept of ‘hit and get back’ defines both games. In kabaddi, you raid and return, while in badminton, you strike and quickly get back to the centre or prepare for the next stroke. In many ways, it all comes down to the mind, the planning, and the execution, which makes both sports very similar in spirit.”
On the power of sport in shaping national pride:
“It’s supremely important that, as a nation, we look at sport in the right spirit. Every win matters. I remember what our Prime Minister said back in 2014, after the Commonwealth Games, that every performance adds a drop of pride into the nation’s bucket. For any nation, community, or society to rise, pride is a crucial element. Every win, whether on the cricket field, the badminton court, the hockey turf, or the kabaddi mat, fills us with pride. And the next morning, more than a billion people wake up with renewed energy. Sport doesn’t just affect the individual — their health, their discipline, their decision-making — but it also shapes us as a nation. It builds pride, it boosts productivity, and it changes the collective mindset. That’s why I believe sport has an immensely powerful role to play, not only for athletes but for society at large.”
Speaking exclusively to JioStar on the sidelines of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 action, hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay reckons youngsters should take up playing sport:
“I believe every youngster should take up a sport — be it hockey, kabaddi or anything else — and play it with passion. That commitment is what allowed me to represent the country for 15 years. Kabaddi, in particular, is the sport of our nation. I have seen many great kabaddi legends play for the Air India team, and after cricket, it is one of the most loved sports in India. I share a close bond with Ashok Shinde of Puneri Paltan, and every time you interact with such legends, there is always so much to learn.”
_Speaking exclusively to JioStar on the sidelines of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 action, Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya said he loves the thrill that comes along with watching kabaddi:
“Sport has shaped my journey and given me the strength to keep going, no matter the challenges. Watching kabaddi live is always exciting because the game can change every single second — it’s that unpredictability that makes it so thrilling. Being here today, celebrating sport and its spirit, is truly inspiring.”
