Check the top 5 most successful coaches in PKL, featuring legends like Ram Mehar Singh, Manpreet Singh and more. Learn about their accomplishments as Season 11 kicks off on October 18, in Hyderabad.
Since its inception in 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has rapidly become a premier sporting spectacle, drawing millions of fans and significantly boosting the profile of kabaddi. With its thrilling matches and unique format, PKL has become a staple of Indian sports culture. As we approach PKL Season 11, set to commence on October 18, 2024, fans are abuzz with anticipation, eager to see which teams will emerge victorious and which coaches will guide them to glory. In this article, we take an in-depth look at five of the most successful coaches in PKL history, exploring their remarkable achievements, distinctive coaching styles, and their vital contributions to the league.
5 Most Successful Coaches in PKL
Here’s a detailed look at the five most successful coaches in PKL who have profoundly influenced the league with their strategic prowess and leadership:
1. Ram Mehar Singh
Ram Mehar Singh’s illustrious career in kabaddi spans both playing and coaching, making him one of the most respected figures in the sport. As the head coach of the Gujarat Giants, Singh’s expertise continues to shape the league.
- Current Association: Head Coach of Gujarat Giants for the PKL season 11
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- Past Teams and Achievements: Singh’s most notable achievements came with the Patna Pirates, where he led the team to back-to-back titles in Seasons 3 and 4. His accomplishments with the Pirates, combined with his strategic acumen and leadership, have established him as one of PKL’s best coaches ever. Singh’s impact wasn’t limited to domestic success; his coaching also saw him guide the Gujarat Giants to a playoff finish in Season 10.
- Career and Personal Milestones: Before his coaching career, Singh was celebrated for his playing days, notably earning the Arjuna Award for his gold medal-winning performances at the 1998 and 2002 Asian Games. As a coach, Singh has been a strict disciplinarian with a keen tactical mind, fostering teamwork and developing young talent. His contributions to the Indian national kabaddi team further highlight his extensive influence on the sport.
2. B.C. Ramesh
B.C. Ramesh’s coaching career is a testament to his strategic acumen and adaptability. As the head coach of the Puneri Paltan, Ramesh continues to demonstrate his coaching prowess.
- Current Association: Head Coach of Puneri Paltan for the Upcoming Season
- Past Teams and Achievements: B.C. Ramesh has had a distinguished coaching career, marked by significant achievements. He was pivotal in guiding the Bengaluru Bulls to their first PKL title in Season 6 as an assistant coach and led the Bengal Warriors to their inaugural title in Season 7. As head coach of Puneri Paltan, he first secured a runners-up finish in Season 9 and then clinched their maiden PKL title in the following season. Ramesh also coached the Karnataka men’s team to a silver medal in the National Games and led the Argentine men’s team at the Kabaddi World Cup, underscoring his extensive impact on the sport.
- Personal Milestones and Career: An Arjuna Award recipient in 2001, Ramesh’s extensive experience includes coaching various state teams and international squads. His strategic mindset and ability to adapt have been central to his success.
3. Sanjeev Baliyan
Sanjeev Baliyan’s coaching career is distinguished by his ability to lead teams to success and his significant contributions to kabaddi. As the head coach of the Jaipur Pink Panthers, Baliyan continues to be a key figure in the league.
- Current Association: Head Coach of the Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Past Teams and Achievements: Baliyan’s coaching achievements include winning his first PKL title with the Patna Pirates in Season 3 and securing a second title with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9. His coaching style emphasizes a balanced approach, excelling in both offence and defence. Beyond the PKL, Baliyan’s expertise extended to leading Indian Railways to victories in the 66th and 67th Senior National Kabaddi Championships.
- Personal Milestones: An Arjuna Award winner, Baliyan’s contributions to kabaddi are well-recognized. His extensive experience includes coaching at various levels, further establishing his reputation as a leading coach in the sport.
4. Manpreet Singh
Manpreet Singh, a former Pro Kabaddi champion as a player, has rapidly established himself as a prominent coach in the league. As the head coach of the Haryana Steelers, Manpreet’s influence is evident.
- Current Association: Head Coach of the Haryana Steelers
- Past Teams and Achievements: Singh’s coaching career began with the Punjab State Kabaddi Association, where his skills were honed from 2015 to 2019. His rise to prominence came with the Gujarat Giants, where he guided the team to back-to-back runners-up finishes in Seasons 5 and 6. Singh also led the Haryana Steelers to a runners-up finish in Season 10. His impressive track record suggests that a PKL title as a coach is imminent, given his proven strategic abilities.
- Personal Milestones: Manpreet Singh won the PKL title as a player when he captained the Patna Pirates to victory in Season 3. Despite being relatively young in the coaching circuit, Singh’s achievements are noteworthy. His tactical insights and leadership qualities have made him a rising star in kabaddi coaching.
5. Randhir Singh Sehrawat
Randhir Singh Sehrawat is synonymous with the Bengaluru Bulls, having been their coach since the league’s inception. His remarkable career is highlighted by numerous successes.
- Current Association: Head Coach of the Bengaluru Bulls
- Past Teams and Achievements: Sehrawat led the Bengaluru Bulls to their first PKL title in Season 6. His tenure with the team has been marked by consistency and strategic excellence. Beyond the PKL, Sehrawat has had a distinguished career with Indian Railways, coaching the men’s and women’s teams to multiple gold medals at the Senior National Kabaddi Championships. His influence extends to the development of top kabaddi stars, including Ajay Thakur, Manjeet Chhillar, Pawan Sehrawat, and Pardeep Narwal, who have all benefited from his guidance.
- Personal Milestones and Career: Sehrawat’s coaching achievements include multiple titles with Indian Railways and significant contributions to the growth of kabaddi in India. His legacy is characterized by his ability to nurture talent and lead teams to success.
Conclusion
The Pro Kabaddi League has been profoundly shaped by exceptional coaches whose leadership, strategic innovation, and dedication have been pivotal in the sport’s evolution in India. While highlighting these top coaches, it’s essential to acknowledge that many others, past and present, have also played crucial roles in making PKL the thriving and globally popular league it is today.
Check this to know more about the head coaches for each team in PKL 2024
As we look forward to PKL Season 11, which kicks off on October 18, 2024, with an exciting opener between the Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls in Hyderabad, fans are set for an action-packed season.
This year’s format introduces a three-city structure: Hyderabad (October 18 – November 9), Noida (November 10 – December 1), and Pune (December 3 – December 24), culminating with the final round-robin match between U Mumba and Bengal Warriors on December 24. The playoff schedule and venues will be announced later in the year.
For the complete schedule of PKL season 11 Check this: Season 11 Fixtures | Pro Kabaddi League
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