Naveen Kumar: The Resilient Raider Leading Dabang Delhi KC to Success

Naveen Kumar, the dynamic raider of Dabang Delhi KC, has been instrumental in the team's success over the past five years. Renowned for his agility, speed, and strategic prowess, Naveen has consistently showcased his dedication on the kabaddi mat. His journey is a testament to resilience, skill, and mentorship spirit. Despite missing most of the last season due to a knee injury, Naveen is recovering well for the upcoming Season 11.

Regarding his retention by Dabang Delhi KC, Naveen expressed his excitement as quoted in a press release: 'I am super excited to have been retained by Dabang Delhi KC. I have been with them since Season 6, and I am looking forward to Season 11.' Besides playing for Dabang Delhi KC, Naveen also serves the Air Force as a Junior Warrant Officer. Commenting on the Pro Kabaddi League auction held on the 78th Independence Day, Naveen shared his thoughts: 'Kabaddi holds a special place in India, having won several international medals. The PKL auction on Independence Day is a fitting tribute to our nation's sport. We aspire to make the country proud on a global level going forward.'

On preparing for the next PKL season, Naveen stated, 'My recovery process is progressing well. I had a couple of surgeries in Mumbai, and after a few months, I started practising slowly and steadily. It will be a gradual process, but I aim to be ready before the next season starts.' Dabang Delhi KC reached the playoffs in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 2023-24 but was eliminated in the eliminators.

The PKL announced the 'Elite Retained Players,' 'Retained Young Players,' and 'Existing New Young Players' for Season 11 on Tuesday. Dabang Delhi KC has retained its raider duo of Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar. The 'Most Valuable Player' award winner in Season 10, Aslam Inamdar, has been retained by Puneri Paltan. Additionally, the Jaipur Pink Panthers have retained their star raider, Arjun Deshwal.

A total of 88 players were retained across three categories, with 22 from the Elite Retained Players (ERP) category, 26 in the Retained Young Players (RYP) category, and 40 in the Existing New Young Players (ENYP) category. The non-retained players, including star players such as Pawan Sehrawat, Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, Fazel Atrachali, and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, will go under the hammer at the PKL Season 11 Player Auction from August 15-16, 2024, in Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies.)