PKL 12 will start on Friday, August 29.
Puneri Paltan’s defender Gaurav Khatri has a story that sounds like a movie. He grew up in a family where Kabaddi was already popular, which made him fall in love with the game from a young age. By the time he was 15, he was already playing in local Kabaddi tournaments.
Joining the Pro Kabaddi League was always his dream. That dream came true in Season 9 when he got a chance to play for Puneri Paltan as an injury replacement.
Although the team narrowly missed winning the title when they lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final, they finally lifted the trophy in the next season. Now, Puneri Paltan and Gaurav Khatri are getting ready for PKL Season 12 and hope to perform just as well as they did in Season 10.
“We are feeling confident and fully prepared for the new season. Our aim is to repeat our Season 10 performance. We’ll give it our all. The raiding side has become even stronger with Sachin Tanwar joining. We already had Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, and Pankaj Mohite, so we’re working hard as a team,” Khatri shared in the latest episode of the ‘Rise of a Star’ series.
Khatri got his first chance to play for the team in Season 9 when one of the players tested positive for COVID-19. His debut came in a match against the Bengaluru Bulls.
“I was given my first chance against Bengaluru Bulls when the coach told me to come in as a substitute. I was nervous, but it also felt great because I was getting to live my dream,” he said.
“I made my first tackle against Bharat Hooda, who was the top raider at that time. I earned points for my team, and it felt really good. Even though we lost the match, the team was happy with how I played,” Khatri said.
“After that, the coach started trusting me more and let me play in the semi-final and final matches of the season. I got a chance in the semi-final because Sombir was sick with a fever. I had never played in playoffs before, but the coach gave me confidence,” he added.
The young defender feels lucky to be part of a team that won the championship so early in his career. Talking about his journey, he said, “When I joined in Season 10, I did feel some pressure, but my teammates supported and motivated me. They told me to play freely and be myself. I feel very lucky to become a champion in just my second season.”
A big inspiration for him in the early days was Iranian star Mohammadreza Shadloui. “I had a good relationship with Shadloui. He treated me like his younger brother,” he said.
Khatri also thanked the fans for always supporting him during the Pro Kabaddi League. “The Pro Kabaddi League has changed my life. It gave me a stage to perform, a name, and helped me improve as a player,” he shared.
FAQ
Who is Gaurav Khatri?
Gaurav Khatri is a professional kabaddi player who has gained recognition through his performances in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), especially for his defensive skills.
What did Gaurav Khatri reveal in his recent interview?
He spoke about his early struggles, inspirations, how PKL changed his life, and his future ambitions in kabaddi.
Which season of PKL is being discussed?
Season 12 (PKL 12) of the Pro Kabaddi League.
What inspired Gaurav Khatri to pursue kabaddi?
He mentioned the influence of senior players and his family’s support as key motivators in his kabaddi journey.
Did Gaurav Khatri mention any specific mentor?
Yes, he highlighted the impact of Iranian star Mohammadreza Shadloui, who supported and guided him early in his career.
