Delighted to beat strong team in Red Bull Tashan Kabaddi final, says Arun

Bengaluru, May 30: Arun Kumar of HMT Colony Boys, who was adjudged the best raider of the inaugural edition of the Red Bull Tashan Kabaddi championship, says he is delighted to beat a strong team in the summit clash of the tournament.

HMT Colony Boys emerged the winners last Saturday, defeating Classic Nationals by two points in the summit clash which was witnessed by experienced raider Harish Naik who is part of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) outfit Bengaluru Bulls.

The players of HMT Colony Boys thus grabbed the chance to train with the Bengaluru team, before the fifth season of the Pro Kabaddi League, which kicks off in July. 

"Very excited and eager to play with PKL stars. Rohit Kumar is my role model and inspiration. So delighted that we beat a strong team Classic Nationals. Really happy to be awarded the raider of the tournament. Really looking forward to such opportunities. It was a great experience interacting with Harish Naik from Bengaluru Bulls after winning Red Bull Tashan Tournament," Arun told IANS.

When asked what motivates him to get up and go for training every day, Arun said: "The passion for the sport drives me to get up at 5 am in the morning every day to work out and train. I work out in the morning and evening everyday with my friend who also."

"I chose Kabaddi because in my village Hessaragatta, the sport is popular and I look upto many from this village who are playing the sport since a number of years. I want to make a good name in Kabaddi. I want people to recognise me and call me fondly by the name Arun Kabaddi," he added.

A tournament for players at college and club level, organised in association with the Pro Kabaddi League franchise Bengaluru Bulls, Red Bull Tashan kabaddi aims to help develop the ancient and iconic Indian sport at a grass-roots level in the country.

Commenting on the tournament and his team, Arun said: "It's been a great experience to train and play for HMT Colony Boys team. Great talent."

"As a platform, it helps many young and aspiring Kabaddi players like me to get an opportunity to hone our skills, showcase our talent and learn the technicalities of the game. I would like to thank Red Bull and Bengaluru Bulls for organising this tournament. I am really excited," he added.

(Gaurav Sharma can be reached at [email protected])