Pro Kabaddi League players grapple with sand, hope for selection in PKL 2025 auction

Kabaddi player Baldev Singh spent his birthday on Thursday grappling raiders on an 11×7 metre sand arena, far from the comfort of home and family. Competing at the Khelo India Beach Games on Ghoghla Beach in Diu, the defender from Himachal Pradesh marked the occasion with grit rather than cake.

“I’m feeling good, but I’m far from my family. They are waiting for me to cut the cake, but no worries. The games are important. I’ll celebrate this birthday here,” said Baldev, who last featured in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2022 with Gujarat Giants.

Beach kabaddi, he explained, demands a different physicality and mindset.

“Here, the raider needs more strength and stamina. And every raid is a do-or-die one; no safe raids here. The one who’s the most powerful goes long in this format,” Baldev told  Sportstar, highlighting the fundamental differences between mat and beach kabaddi.

He added, “Even the ground measurements are smaller. Moreover, at the national level style the lobby area is considered, which is not the case here. Even the bonus points and baulk lines are absent in beach kabaddi.”

Coming from a mountainous state, one might wonder how athletes like Baldev prepare for beach competitions. The solution is both practical and revealing of their commitment.

“We make sand arenas in our grounds, and we hold trials before competitions as well. The only issue we might face is the weather,” he said.

With the PKL Season 12 auction approaching on May 31 and June 1, Baldev is hopeful of making a return to the mat, ideally with one of his preferred teams.

“A team’s purse may run out or already have enough players for your position. That’s why I missed out on the last two seasons. This time, going back to Bengal Warriorz would be good. Playing for Bengaluru Bulls will also be nice for me.”

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Facing Baldev on the sand was Monu Hooda from Haryana. Himachal Pradesh mounted a late comeback, but Haryana held on for the win.

“I prefer playing on the mat. Here, my legs tend to get stuck in the sand a lot,” said Monu, sand clinging to his face after the match and a playful tussle with teammates.

“I missed last [PKL] season because of an injury. Now, I’ll be happy to be a part of any team where I’ll be able to play,” added the former Haryana Steelers player.

Rajasthan’s Jai Bhagwan, meanwhile, seemed to relish the beach format more than most. During his match against the host, he was all smiles, often appearing to taunt opponents to make a move.

“There’s a sense of enjoyment I get from playing in this format. A player isn’t judged out here. If you’re playing on the mat, then you might have to sit it out. For the whole 15-minute half, we are inside. It’s a bit hectic but a lot of fun,” he said with a big smile.

According to Jai, the sand offers opportunities for skill development that directly translate to mat play.

“Our weaknesses are improved here on the sand. We can practise our diving and touch points here, which later help us on the mat.”

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Jai represented Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 11, a team that finished bottom of the table with just two wins. He was not retained this season.

“Last season was a bad one personally, and hence I wasn’t retained. But in the lead-up to next season, I’ve done really well in the national tournaments. Performances can go up and down,” he reflected.

Like Monu, Jai is keeping an open mind ahead of the auction.