"Would return home with bruises": Akash Shinde of Puneri Paltan reminisces about his childhood experiences ahead of PKL season 11.

New Delhi [India], October 9: Ahead of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11, Puneri Paltan raider Akash Shinde reflected on his childhood, recalling how he would return home with bruises after playing Kabaddi.

"Initially, when I used to play, I would come home with bruises because Kabaddi was played in the mud," Akash reminisced as he prepares for his fourth season with Puneri Paltan, according to a PKL release.

Despite his family's initial worries, his passion for Kabaddi remained strong, supported by early mentors Sagar Malwade and Vinod Labde.

His journey to success was challenging, marked by multiple setbacks and failures to qualify in his early attempts. "I fell short in my first attempts at all levels. I even missed the cut for my senior camp for Maharashtra!" he shared.

Rather than being discouraged by these challenges, Akash transformed them into motivation. "These setbacks kept me determined, and I knew I needed to try harder with renewed energy to show the world what I could achieve," he explained.

His big break came in 2019 at a seniors' trial in Nashik, which led to participation in the Junior Nationals and eventually attracted the attention of Yuva Paltan, Puneri Paltan's academy.

A pivotal moment in Akash's career was representing his college in Beed, which granted him the opportunity to play for Maharashtra. Under the mentorship of Anil Jagdale and Kailas Jagdale, his skills flourished. His journey accelerated as he transitioned from Mahindra & Mahindra to Yuva Paltan, where mentors like Sangram and Ashok helped refine his abilities.

Akash's PKL debut with Puneri Paltan in Season 8 was a significant achievement, not only for him but for his entire village. "No player from the Nashik region had made it to PKL or even the Maharashtra team, so it was a pleasant surprise for everyone. The entire Nashik district was very happy. It felt really good," he recalled.

However, it was in Season 9 that he truly made his mark, becoming a formidable presence on the mat. In 22 matches leading to his first PKL final, Akash scored 139 raid points, averaging 6.32 raid points per match.

His outstanding performances caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a place on the Indian team for the Asian Games. "I received my Team India kit on October 27. I still remember it!" he said, excitement evident in his voice.

The pinnacle of his achievements came in PKL Season 10 when Akash and his Puneri Paltan teammates lifted the coveted trophy. Though he played a lesser role, he still achieved an impressive 56 raid points in 13 matches. "There was only one target then... we had made up our minds that we had to win the title this season, whatever it took," he reflected on the team's shared determination.

Now, Akash serves as an inspiration for young athletes from rural India. His message is simple: "Keep believing in yourselves and your dedication and efforts." He stresses the importance of loyalty, encouraging young players to remain faithful to the clubs that nurture them.

As he gears up for PKL Season 11, Akash's journey from the muddy fields of Adgaon to the spotlight of Pro Kabaddi stands as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering support. In Akash Shinde, Puneri Paltan has not only a star raider but also a symbol of inspiration for an entire generation of Kabaddi players.