Pro Kabaddi: Local lad Pravin Niwale calls for support from Punekars

Pravin Niwale

Puneri Paltan will enjoy home comforts as the final leg of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League stage will take place at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. With the Paltans having no chance to qualify to the next stage following Bengaluru Bulls’ wins, the Puneri Paltan will play for some pride and for their fans.

But the Puneri Paltan faithful were dealt a huge blow when fan favorite and local lad Pravin Niwale was ruled out for at least the first two home games. Carrying an injury from previous matches, Pravin is struggling for fitness and believes he only has a chance of making it for the last two games.

“It’s a mixed feeling for me. In a way I am glad that the games are happening in Pune, but also sad that I won’t be able to play,” said the veteran Puneri Paltan raider.

Being a Punekar himself, he has called his fellow Punelars to come and flock the stadium to support the Paltan. “I want to appeal to the people to come and support us in the stadium. The crowd support has a great influence on games and I want all the Punekars to fill the stadium,” Pravin Niwale said.

Pravin was particularly delighted how the young generation has taken to the sports and how a sight of kids playing Kabaddi satisfies him. “We now see small kids making a Kabaddi pitch with their shoes and start playing wherever they are. It’s a great sight for me and that gives me extreme pleasure being a Kabaddi player myself”, a happy Pravin Niwale added.

Pravin’s presence will be missed both on and off the pitch by the Paltans and also his large number of local fans. But having completed 60% of his recovery, the season might not be over from Pravin Niwale just yet.