When Pardeep Narwal is on with his game he sets the mat on fire, terrorises the opponents and creates a new benchmark for every match. This 20-year-old raider who is also a regular face in the Indian National Kabaddi team has also bagged the highest raid points this season of Pro Kabaddi league 2017 with a total of 243 till date. Hailing from Haryana, this star kabaddi lad has reached great heights in the game within a short span of time. He is called the 'Dubki King' for his famous signature move. In a candid interview with us, he shares his fitness secrets, love for kabaddi and how he keeps himself at the top of his game. Here is an excerpt:
What kind of training do you have to undergo to be that strong and agile on the mat?
Various kinds of drills, strength training, cardio exercises keep us fit and strong. Kabbadi being a contact sport also makes us prone to various kinds of injuries. This is why it is important to toughen up during training sessions. The amount of hard work we put in during the training surely shows results when we face our opponents. There are many ways to get better in the game, being on top of your fitness regime is just one of them.
Apart from that, we also have to undertake physiotherapy sessions when we have to nurse our injuries, which no player can escape. Our coaches and trainers help us to overcome such injuries with the right kind of exercises and rehab so we come out strong.
During training sessions, we also concentrate on perfecting our moves, our game, to outperform ourselves in each match. Of course, we have to sweat it out a lot to be at the top of our game.
What kind of diet do you have to follow? Is there any food that you miss eating while training to play the leagues?
Yes, we are asked not to have too many sweets. Other than that we follow a very healthy diet with the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats which impart strength and energy to us. It isn't very difficult for me to be on such healthy diet because I prefer simple home cooked foods over junk.
You are called the 'Dubki King,' for your moves, how did you perfect the dubkis? Is there any secret?
When people ask me what is the secret behind the dubkis, I really don't know what to say. I have been practising this move ever since I started playing kabaddi. I don't know if I grew up perfecting the dubkis or the dubkis just grew on me. While playing kabaddi during my childhood in my village, I used to think how to save myself from the opponents, score points and get back to my side safely. That is when I discovered the dubkis, to slip and glide my way to the other side safely. Once I realised that this was my favourite move and I could execute it well, I practised it over and over to get better. Then my coaches worked on me to help me master the move, gain that edge over others. A lot of practice goes into making those dubkis perfect and smooth. But I must say it isn't easy to live up to that name.
What are your weak points in the game and what are you doing to overcome them?
It is easier for me to go for a raid and get points for the team, but there was a time when I couldn't get bonus points for the team. It was one weakness that I had to work on and now I have improved a lot in that area. I have started fetching bonus points for the team also.
As a captain how do you make sure that you keep your team as one unit despite people having different temperaments and opinions?
Above the captain is the coach, so he actually does a lot to ensure that we work as a team. If there are ever any differences of opinion among teammates we look up to our coach for guidance and to solve problems. If I have an opinion about something, I talk to the coach first before talking to the team. We as a team are on the same page when it comes to taking instructions from the coach, this is our team spirit.
What according to you is the biggest challenge of being a raider?
Both raider and defender have their own importance in the game. But a raider is the player who goes to the opponent's side to score points for the team. Whether he is able to score or not depends on his timings, attitude, understanding of the game and his fearlessness to take chances. On the other hand, when a defender tackles a raider he might do it all alone or get the support of the teammates. But the raider is always alone on the opponent's court; I think that is one of the challenges of being a raider.
How do you keep yourself cool during pressure situation like a do-or-die raid?
I have realised one thing that being under pressure never yields any results. I never take pressure for anything. When I go for a raid I just go with the flow. Of course, I want to score points with every raid but there is a fair chance that I might not. So, I don't stress myself. But most often when I go with a clear mind to raid, it usually helps me to score points. I do keep an eye on the defenders so I don't get trapped when they try to tackle.
How do you keep yourself motivated to keep training day after day?
It is very natural to get bored at a point when you are training every day. It does get monotonous. But that is when our coaches and trainers step in and motivate us to sweat it out again.
How do you revive yourself after a lost match?
I don't give it much thought. One needs to understand that if you are winning two matches at a stretch there will come a time when you will lose one. So, when I experience a loss I tell myself, 'Let it go.' There is a new day a new match ahead.
Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration has always been the boys from my village, my hometown. I grew up seeing them put in a lot of effort to perfect their game that has inspired me to be on track with the game. Kuldeep Singh who plays for U Mumba now also belongs to my village and he has been a great inspiration for me.
How does it feel when you see your game getting the kind of recognition it is getting today?
It feels great to see kabaddi getting recognised, players getting fame. It is always a good feeling to be a known face in the crowd because of your game.
How do you cool down or relax after a tiring day of training or a nail-biting match?
A casual chat with my roommate, watching films or some teleserials like Savdhan India or just listening to music is what helps me to cool down and relax.
Are you optimistic enough that Patna Pirates will lift the Pro Kabaddi League cup this year too?
We are keeping our fingers crossed and if we win this year it would be three consecutive wins for us. Let's hope for the best.
Image source: www.patnapirates.net
