New Delhi: The stage is set for the first Maharashtrian derby of the action-packed Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12th season as both the teams face-off on September 18 at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium. U Mumba and Puneri Paltan represent the Maharashtrian lobby in PKL with both teams being contenders for winning the championship. Maharashtra’s Kabaddi culture has a rich history and both captains are ready to carry forward the prestige in PKL 12.
Puneri Paltan’s star raider Aslam Inamdar is the first Maharashtrian skipper to win the PKL trophy as he led Paltan to the title in PKL 10. The last Maharashtrian derby was played on November 3 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium last year.
PKL legend Ajay Thakur will coach Puneri Paltan in this season which will add some spice to the Maharashtra clash. While, U Mumba will also be seen with the new head coach Anil Chaprana, who previously served assistant coach of Mumba.
Inamdar gears up for strong comeback
In the last edition, defending champions star raider Inamdar sustained an injury mid season and was ruled out. Without the star raider, Puneri Paltan couldn’t defend their title and were knocked out of the tournament before the playoffs. But now Inamdar is set to return from the injury and eager to perform well for his side.
‘Being born and raised in Maharashtra, it was always my dream to represent the state in Kabaddi. Playing for Puneri Paltan and becoming champions has been one of the proudest moments of my career. To once again stand on such a big stage in the PKL and represent where I come from is a very special feeling for me.’ Puneri Paltan skipper Aslam Inamdar stated.
But it will not be easy for Inamdar to make an easy return as PKL veteran skipper Sunil Kumar will be in charge of U Mumba. Mumba qualified for the playoffs last season but were knocked out in the Eliminator by Patna Pirates.
‘Maharashtra has always been a powerhouse of Kabaddi, and this shows how big the sport truly is here. For me, to lead U Mumba – a team with such a strong legacy and talented players – is a matter of immense pride. We have prepared with full focus and determination, and our goal this season is to go beyond the playoffs and bring the trophy back to Mumbai,’ U Mumba skipper Sunil Kumar said ahead of the clash.
Both sides have played 22 times against each other with U Mumba winning 10 matches while Puneri Paltan emerging victorious in nine. In the last season, both teams won one match each against each other.