PKL 2022: UP Yoddha's Pardeep Narwal sets Olympic ambitions for Kabaddi, admits price tag pressure

PKL 2022: Pardeep Narwal is one of the biggest names in the Kabaddi circuit and the UP Yoddha star is enjoying a revival of sorts in the PKL Season 9. The 22-year-old famously dubbed the ‘Dubki King’ is a hallmark of consistent success in the PKL over the years with the Patna Pirates and now the UP Yoddhas. Narwal had a season to forget last time out but has come out all guns blazing in a fine start to the season. Follow all Pro Kabaddi League Live updates on Insidesport.IN

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PKL 2022: UP Yoddha star Pardeep Narwal sets Olympic ambitions for Kabaddi, admits price tag pressure, says ‘I have to do better now’ – Watch full interview

Pardeep Narwal has been part of the Pro Kabaddi League since the second season and over the years, he has found great individual and collective success. In an exclusive conversation with Insidesport, the UP Yoddhas stalwart discussed his love for the sport, the future and how PKL has brought about a change in the popularity surrounding the sport.

PKL is amongst the most followed tournaments in India, only behind IPL in terms of popularity. Now into the ninth season, Kabaddi has carved a place in the hearts of sports fans across the country with many international stars also finding their home here. Amid the increasing popularity, Narwal believes that the sport should compete at the Olympics in the future.

Narwal said, “Kabaddi is the sport of India and the government also tries and the federation also thinks so. Kabaddi is such a popular sport and everyone should try together and take this sport to that point.”

यहाँ भी होगा, वहाँ भी होगा, क्या? परदीप का जलवा 🔥

डुबकी किंग के एक और धमाकेदार सुपर 1⃣0⃣ का जवाब नहीं 😍#SaansRokSeenaThok #YoddhasHum #vivoProKabaddi #FantasticPanga #GMRGroup #GMRSports pic.twitter.com/c7FSAhtVcY

— U.P. YODDHAS (@UpYoddhas) October 30, 2022

Pardeep Narwal set raiding records during his time with the Patna Pirates where he won three-successive titles. Auction dynamics meant that he had to be released with UP Yoddas splashing a then-record ₹ 1.65 crores to get him. While he did not live up to the expectation, Yoddhas retained him for a reduced Rs 90 lakh package.

Narwal has made a good start to this season but is striving to do better as the tournament progresses. The ex-Pirate star said, “I have to do better now and there are still many matches left, I will try to give my 100 per cent and perform better. Where it is Super Raid, I think It is that sometimes two matches come in one match and sometimes not even one comes in one match.”

PKL 2022: UP Yoddha star Pardeep Narwal sets Olympic ambitions for Kabaddi, admits price tag pressure, says ‘I have to do better now’ – Watch full interview

At Yoddha, he has found a perfect partner in Surinder Gill. Speaking of the budding partnership, Pardeep said, “This time we really have a great rapport and if I am not bringing points then Surinder Gill is bringing points for the team. We are creating opportunities for defence also and if we play together then it will be good for the team.

Pardeep Narwal has scored 68 raid points in 7 matches so far this season. Talking about the last season, there were 188 raid points in 24 games. He is the first player in the history of Pro Kabaddi League to score 1400 points. Narwal’s reputation invites pressure and fatigue but the young raider says it is easier to manage to due to the rise in technology.

He said, “Yes there is Mental fatigue but nowadays it has become easier due to technology and we can talk to our family and children whenever we want. Whichever team buys you, you want to give their best. The team pays money for you, so you give your 100% per cent. The team is like a family, bonds are made. The money doesn’t invite pressure, but there is some when you lose games.”