New Delhi : English Kabaddi players Felix Lee and Yuvraj Pandya recently achieved a lifelong dream by participating in the tenth season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The recently concluded season, held across 12 Indian cities from December 2nd, 2023 to March 1st, 2024, provided them with a unique opportunity to compete on the sport's biggest stage.

Expressing his excitement, Felix stated, "The PKL experience was incredible. Kabaddi isn't as widespread in England, but I've been a devoted follower since season one. Honestly, I never thought I'd get the chance to play in the Pro Kabaddi League."

Yuvraj echoed this sentiment, highlighting the contrasting experiences between watching and playing. "It's a whole different world," he said. "On TV, you only see the 40 minutes of action on the court. In the PKL, you get the full experience – playing alongside and against the best in the world. We've participated in international tournaments, but nothing compares to the scale and intensity of the PKL."

Both players shared their journeys into Kabaddi. Yuvraj recounted starting at a young age with a local Hindu group. "The England Kabaddi team captain spotted me during a local tournament and encouraged me to train with them. That's how it all began," he explained.

Felix, on the other hand, discovered the sport in university. "I joined a Kabaddi club in my first year," he said. "During my first practice, I managed to catch a few defenders. I enjoyed the team atmosphere and kept playing. Eventually, that led to a spot on the England squad and then the PKL."

With their success, Felix and Yuvraj hope to pave the way for more English players in the PKL. "There are many aspiring Kabaddi players in England," Yuvraj asserted. "Our presence in the PKL will inspire them and show them what's possible. Hopefully, we'll see more English players in the league in the future."