New Delhi: Iranian kabaddi stalwart Fazel Atrachali opened up on the opportunity to play alongside Indian raider Maninder Singh for Bengal Warriors in the upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024-25, which starts on October 18 in Hyderabad.
Fazel was released from Gujarat Giants squad ahead of the auction this year as coach Ram Mehar Singh felt the ace defender didn’t hold the same formidable reflexes to that of his prime days. The 32-year-old player was sold to Bengal Warriors for INR 50 lakh in the PKL auction 2024 in August.
Fazel has been part of the tournament since the second season and his association with the Kolkata-based franchise is his fifth team in the PKL. Having played 169 matches in the league, the Iranian has the most tackles (458), and most tackle points (486).
Speaking about playing with Maninder Singh, who has the second most raid points (1442) in the tournament, Fazel Atrachali said on the ‘Kings of Kabaddi’ Episode of Star Sports:
“I am very happy, because firstly I am playing with Maninder. Here, I have a more free mind because Maninder is here and he is also a senior player. Last season, there were a lot of young players (at Gujarat Giants) and I was a senior, so it was very difficult for me to handle everything. But now Maninder is here, with a lot of experience. So I am more free and I can play my game.”
He added: “I was curious about Maninder. Maybe, I thought that his power is good or something else. What is special about him? He doesn’t know, but I saw that. I checked him on the first practice. Maybe some junior players, when they are tired and even me, when I am tired, I cheat a little in the practice, especially in fitness. But when I see Maninder, I see that he is doing extra practice. Really, that time I was surprised, so I follow him.”
Maninder shares his thoughts on Fazel Atrachali
Bengal Warriors named Fazel Atrachali as the new captain for the 11th season of the PKL. The ‘Sultan’ will take the captaincy reigns from Maninder who shouldered the responsibility last season. The Kolkata outfit didn’t qualify for the playoffs, finishing seventh on the points table with 55 points (nine wins, 11 losses and two draws).
“We have a fight with each other. I tell him that you should be captain, while he tells me that you should be captain,” said Fazel.
Maninder refelected similar thoughts on the star Iranian player.
“The preparation for this season is going on very well. Ever since Fazel has come, the atmosphere has changed a lot. I feel very good and am very happy to play with Fazel. I will give him my full support,” the Indian raider said.
Bengal Warriors will face two-time PKL champions Jaipur Pink Panthers on October 20 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali will take over the captaincy reigns from Maninder Singh at Bengal Warriors in the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League, starting on October 18. Kabaddi Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
