What happens when you put the future of Indian kabaddi right in the middle of the roaring action? On October 17, the Pro Kabaddi League did just that, giving India’s youth teams a front-row seat at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. And according to Indian Boys Team Coach Srinivas Reddy, it ignited something powerful.
Key Takeaways
- India’s youth kabaddi teams attended live PKL matches in Delhi on October 17, 2025.
- The initiative was designed to inspire them ahead of the upcoming Youth Asian Games.
- Coach Srinivas Reddy stated that playing in the PKL is the ultimate dream for these young athletes.
- He believes this generation could represent India in the 2036 Olympics.
- Top players like Deepak Niwas Hooda and Mamtha Poojari guided the youth squads.
A Spark Ignited in the Stadium
Look, watching on TV is one thing. But being there? That’s totally different. The whole point of this initiative by the PKL, Mashal Sports, and Star Sports was to create a ‘spark’ in these kids. They got to see the speed, the strategy, and the massive crowds firsthand. Coaches Srinivas Reddy, Deepak Niwas Hooda, and Mamtha Poojari were right there with them, guiding them through the experience.
This wasn’t just a fun day out. It was a calculated move to show these young players exactly what they’re working towards. Reddy was clear about it. “Playing in the PKL is the dream for these kids,” he said, thanking the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) for the opportunity.
Learning from Their Heroes
But honestly, these kids are already students of the game. PKL all-rounder Deepak Niwas Hooda said it himself. He mentioned that these children constantly watch the league, breaking down plays and picturing themselves on that very mat. It’s not just passive viewing; it’s active learning.
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And they definitely have their favorites. Mamtha Poojari pointed out that nearly every player has a PKL hero they look up to. Some were there hoping to see Ayan from Patna Pirates, while others were eager to watch Sunil from U Mumba in action. Seeing your idols perform live? Yeah, that’s a huge motivator.
The Road to the 2036 Olympics?
So what’s the bigger picture here? It’s massive. Srinivas Reddy isn’t just thinking about the next Youth Asian Games. He’s looking way down the road. He believes this is the generation of players that will represent India in future Asian Games, National Championships, and maybe, just maybe, the Olympics in 2036.
Think about that. An experience like this, witnessing the peak of their sport, could be the single event that pushes a young player to go from good to great. It transforms a distant dream into a tangible goal. It’s about building the future of Indian kabaddi, one match at a time.
What do you think? Which of today’s young talents will we see lighting up the PKL mat in a few years? Let us know your thoughts.



