Bengal Warriorz looking forward to Season 12 with new acquisitions from PKL auction
Mumbai: With the player auction for Season 12 around the corner, the Bengal Warriorz, one of the founding franchises of the tournament, are preparing to bolster their squad with important acquisitions for the upcoming season. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Player Auction is scheduled for May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai.
Ahead of the PKL auction, the Bengal Warriorz, who will be coached by Naveen Kumar in Season 12, retained Vishwas S., Yash Malik, Manjeet, Deep Kumar, and Sushil Kambrekar from last season's squad.
Coach Naveen Kumar, who is well known for his exceptional leadership, tactical acumen, and his ability to identify, nurture and work with young talent, is focused on carving the way forward for the Bengal Warriorz.
Naveen Kumar brings with him loads of experience as a player and a coach, and a plethora of in-depth knowledge about the kabaddi ecosystem in India, which augurs well for the Bengal Warriorz, who are building for the future.
Speaking in the lead-up to the big auction, coach Naveen Kumar said, 'Bengal Warriorz is an amazing franchise, one that has consistently worked for the betterment of the sport over the last 11 years. Like every season, this season at Bengal Warriorz is all about the warrior spirit of never giving up, and we are looking to build a squad that carries this spirit to the mat.'
'Young players, along with a healthy mix of experience, are essential to put together a good squad so that the Warriorz not only have a good Season 12 but also sow the seeds for the seasons ahead. Kabaddi has been growing at a rapid pace, and we want to ensure that the Warriorz continue to be at the forefront of this journey.'
Season 7 champions Bengal Warriorz have opted for a rebuild and will be looking for players across every position. The rebuilding project for the Warriorz will focus on a holistic approach as they aim to bring back the glory days.
'The Bengal Warriorz no doubt have quite a task as we have to rebuild and reorganise our squad at the PKL Player Auction for Season 12. We are looking to bring in a balanced squad that has the flair and exuberance of youth, and also the maturity of experience. We are confident of achieving our targets at the auction,' said Apurv Gupta, CEO of Bengal Warriorz.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
3 days ago
- India Gazette
Whatever I have achieved in PKL is because of him: U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar honours childhood coach
New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): In a moment that exemplified the spirit of gratitude and respect, U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar made headlines not for his defensive prowess on the kabaddi mat, but for his heartfelt gesture toward the man who shaped his career. Following the Pro Kabaddi League auctions, the star defender presented a cheque of Rs 25 lakh to his childhood coach, Bhupender Malik, in what can only be described as a deeply emotional tribute to his mentor. 'Bhupender Malik is my childhood guru. He introduced me to Kabaddi for the first time,' Sunil shared. The coach has been instrumental in nurturing not just Sunil's talent, but that of numerous other PKL players. What makes this gesture even more remarkable is Bhupender Malik's selfless approach to coaching - he has been training players for 20-25 years without charging any fees. The emotional exchange between student and teacher was particularly touching. Initially, Bhupender Malik was reluctant to accept the generous gift, but Sunil was firm in his conviction. As he explained, this was not merely a financial transaction - it was a gesture of respect for everything his guru had done for him. The moment encapsulated the beautiful relationship between a mentor who gave everything and a student who never forgot his roots, a release said. For Sunil, this wasn't just about money - it was about recognition and respect. He credits his guru with making him the defender he is today, teaching him to play in the cover position and moulding him into a leader. 'Whatever I have achieved in PKL, it's all because of his training,' Sunil emphasised, acknowledging that his coach taught him not just defensive techniques but also the leadership skills that have made him one of the most formidable defenders in the league. The moment also highlights the transformative impact of the Pro Kabaddi League on players' lives. 'Earlier, there was nothing. Now, the money has come, the name and the fame has come to the players. The world has started to know us Kabaddi players,' Sunil reflected. As the most expensive Indian defender in the PKL 11 Player Auction, he understands better than most how PKL has elevated the sport and its athletes. 'I am very happy. I have given respect to my guru,' Sunil said, his satisfaction evident. In an era where success often leads to forgotten beginnings, Sunil Kumar's gesture stands as a reminder that greatness is built on the foundation of never forgetting those who believed in you first. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- India Gazette
PKL 12 Player Auction: Game-changing picks that you can't miss
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 Player Auction concluded on June 1, delivering a blockbuster weekend of unprecedented spending and historic milestones that completely reshaped the landscape of professional kabaddi. With a total expenditure of INR 37.90 crores across two days and 121 players acquired, the auction witnessed the highest number of crorepatis in PKL history and introduced game-changing retention strategies, as per the PKL press release. A decade of extraordinary growth: The PKL 12 auction showcased the league's remarkable evolution since its inception. From Season 1's modest team salary purse of Rs. 60 lakhs and a highest individual purchase of Rs. 12.8 lakhs, the league has transformed into a premium sporting property. The auction saw 10 players cross the Rs. 1 crore mark for the first time ever -- a testament to kabaddi's financial growth and the price that elite talent now commands. The elite 2-crore club: Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh made history by becoming the first player to command over Rs. 2 crores in three consecutive seasons. The Iranian defender and two-time PKL champion was snapped up by Gujarat Giants for a whopping Rs. 2.23 crores in the very first bid of the auction, setting the tone for an exciting weekend. Joining him in the exclusive 2-crore club was Devank Dalal, PKL 11's Best Raider, who was acquired by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 2.25 crores. Game-Changing Final Bid Match (FBM) Rule: The introduction of the new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule proved to be a masterstroke, allowing teams to retain their released players by matching the final auction bid price for either one or two seasons. This rule provides franchises with greater control over squad continuity. Five players were secured for two seasons using the FBM rule: Ashu Malik - Retained by Dabang Delhi Singh - Retained by Patna PiratesMd. Amaan - Retained by Puneri PaltanHardeep - Retained by Haryana SteelersGhanshyam Roka Magar - Retained by Haryana Steelers Additionally, nine players were retained for single seasons, demonstrating the rule's popularity among franchise management. Category A:Category A witnessed five players crossing the INR 1 crore mark, with international talent commanding premium prices. Notably, Yogesh Dahiya's acquisition made him the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history. Top 5 Category A Purchases: Mohammadreza Shadloui (Iran) - Gujarat Giants - Rs. 2.23 croresDevank Dalal (India) - Bengal Warriorz - Rs. 2.20 croresAshu Malik (India) - Dabang Delhi K.C. - Rs. 1.90 croresArjun Deshwal (India) - Tamil Thalaivas - Rs. 1.40 croresYogesh Dahiya (India) - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 1.12 crores Category B:Category B continued the big-money trend with five more crorepatis: Top 5 Category B Purchases: Ankit Jaglan (India) - Patna Pirates - Rs. 1.57 crores (via FBM)Naveen Kumar (India) - Haryana Steelers - Rs. 1.20 croresGuman Singh (India) - UP Yoddhas - Rs. 1.73 croresSachin Tanwar (India) - Puneri Paltan - Rs. 1.58 croresNitin Kumar (India) - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 1.2 crores Category C Category C emerged as the battleground for versatile players, with all-rounders commanding impressive fees: Top Category C Signings: Akash Santosh Shinde - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 53.10 lakhsNitin Rawal - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 50 lakhsSandeep Kumar - U Mumba - Rs. 49 lakhsGurdeep - Puneri Paltan - Rs. 47.10 lakhsDheeraj - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 40.20 lakhs Category D: The biggest surprise came in Category D, where Aanil Mohan from Himachal Pradesh commanded the highest-ever bid in Category D history at INR 78 lakhs from U Mumba. This unprecedented investment in an uncapped player demonstrates franchises' strategic shift toward investing in emerging talent and long-term potential over proven track records alone. Top Category D Purchases: Aanil Mohan - U Mumba - Rs. 78 Parte - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 50.10 Bitake - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 9.10 lakhs. The blockbuster PKL 12 Player Auction has set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive season yet. With record investments, strategic retention policies through the innovative FBM rule, and breakthrough signings like Aanil Mohan, franchises have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to building championship-calibre squads. The introduction of the FBM rule has already shown its significant impact on squad continuity, while the willingness to invest heavily in unproven talent reflects the long-term vision driving league development. As teams prepare for the upcoming Season 12, the auction's outcomes indicate a league that continues to evolve dramatically, both in terms of commercial value and competitive intensity. (ANI)
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- India Gazette
Yuva Kabaddi Series stars shine bright in PKL Season 12 auction
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) has become the premier breeding ground for India's next kabaddi superstars. The recently concluded Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction was a witness to this fact. Around 43.5% of all Indian players sold--44 out of 101--were YKS alumni, showcasing how the platform has transformed into the most trusted scouting and talent development pipeline for the Pro Kabaddi League, according to a release from YKS. From playing in Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) names to auction headliners, YKS players dominated the kabaddi narrative and proved that the journey from grassroots to greatness is not only possible but thriving. This year marked a watershed moment in the journey of YKS with three of its players entering the elite 'crorepati' club--a first in PKL history. Leading the way was Ashu Malik, retained by Dabang Delhi for a record INR 1.90 crore, building upon his already stellar trajectory. Yogesh Dahiya was snapped up by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 1.125 crore, while Nitin Dhankar fetched INR 1.0025 crore from Jaipur Pink Panthers--monumental figures that reflect their growing stature and performance consistency. Over the seasons, YKS has steadily strengthened its footprint at the PKL auctions. From 7 players in Season 9 to 19 in Season 10, 30 in Season 11, and now 45 in Season 12, the curve has only gone upwards. The auction witnessed fierce bidding wars over YKS talent, with teams looking to build long-term squads around battle-tested, dynamic performers. Notable top buys included Anil Mohan (78L, U Mumba), Sanjay Dhull (60L, Bengaluru Bulls), and Akash Shinde (53.10L, Bengaluru Bulls), all of whom are products of the YKS system. Beyond just individual success, Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) is revolutionising the geography of Indian kabaddi. The narrative is no longer limited to traditional strongholds like Haryana and Maharashtra. Chhattisgarh's Uday Parte became a breakout story with a Rs50.10 lakh bid from Jaipur Pink Panthers, signalling the emergence of a new kabaddi belt in central India. Similarly, Punjab's Dheeraj, with a Rs40.20 lakh bid from Bengaluru Bulls, underscored the resurgence of kabaddi in the northwestern state. Sandeep Kumar from Bihar, bought by U Mumba for Rs49 lakh, marked a rare kabaddi success story from a region previously underrepresented in PKL. Yuva Kabaddi Series' ecosystem--rigorous competition and consistent match exposure--has effectively created a parallel pathway to the PKL. Players arrive at the national stage not as rookies but as seasoned competitors. They are auction-ready in skill, temperament, and physicality, and this year's numbers prove that franchises are taking note. As kabaddi continues to evolve into a pan-India phenomenon, the Yuva Kabaddi Series stands tall as its engine room, driving the sport forward one star at a time. (ANI)
