PKL 2019 | Training for Kabaddi is free in Iran, reveals Fazel Atrachali
PKL
The Iranian left-corner defender and U Mumba skipper Fazel Atrachali, while talking about the system of kabaddi in Iran, has informed that the kabaddi training is free and provided by certain federations in his home country. He also talked about how wrestling and kabaddi co-exist in Iran.
Fazel Atrachali is the only foreign player to be a part in four Pro Kabaddi League finals. He has come a long way from season 2 with U Mumba where he didn’t get to play much. He is one of the most successful defenders of all-time in the league. Atrachali hails from Iran and has played and won several international matches for them. In Iran, kabaddi is up and coming and they have a lot of talent as well. Kabaddi is very accessible to youngsters in Iran.
“We have a lot of academies; training is free and arranged by the federation. In my village, there are students learning the sport. I give them training shoes and team jerseys to encourage them,” Atrachali told Sportstar.
Fazel started his career in wrestling but early on he realized that he was more suitable for kabaddi. Northern Iran is famous for wrestling and that is where Fazel comes from.
“Iran is the No. 1 wrestling nation. We have gold medallist at the World Cup, at the Olympic Games; hence wrestling is first choice for kids,” he explained.
He is one of the most experienced defenders in Pro Kabaddi as he has played 82 matches and earned a total of 247 points. He has been a witness to the evolution of Pro Kabaddi and the incoming of new talent especially that of raiders.
“The game was simpler earlier. When you faced a player he would challenge you one-to-one, the skill of older players was known to you. Younger players do the dubki (dive) both sides, front kick, back kick, hand touch, leg touch, they jump and return… it is getting more difficult. All youngsters know to do this and in a way it is good because kabaddi is more interesting.” Atrachali said on young raiders.
