Baskaran rescues Titans’ reject Arun

“I was heartbroken after Telugu Titans declined me an opportunity because of my height (five feet five inches). I was then invited by him (Baskaran) to attend the trials for 2014 PKL champion Jaipur Pink Panthers and ended up playing for it in the second edition,” said Arun.

On playing under the former Asian Games gold medallist, he said, “I have known coach Baskaran for the past eight years. He used to regularly visit the sports hostel, when I was a part of it. He taught me the various intricacies of the game. Whatever I am now as a player, the complete credit goes to him.”  

He was picked up by Bengal Warriors in PKL Season 3 for Rs 10 lakh and found himself in the Tamil Thalaivas set-up in Season 4 for Rs 33 lakh. The Thanjavur-based lad was proud that his village got recognition for its contribution to the sport. “Many players from Vaduvur have gone on to represent the country, including some of my relatives as well. I am pleased that the central government has approved the proposal of building the first ever indoor kabaddi stadium in my village,” said Arun in a heart-warming tone. 

Asked if language acted as a communication barrier during his previous tenures, he replied, “I had a tough time with Bengal Warriors in 2016. As I was not fluent in Hindi, I was unable to communicate the game-plan properly. In Tamil Thalaivas, I was surrounded by a few Tamil Nadu players and the biggest edge was having a coach who speaks your local language (Tamil).” 

Arun, primarily a left corner defender, said he is comfortable playing according to the requirements of the team’s shape. “Baskaran advised me to learn the technical aspects of all the defensive slots (left corner, left in, right in and right corner). I don’t prefer any position and I am ready to adapt to the one given to me,” said the former Pink Panthers player.  

When queried about how the sport can expand its player base, he added, “Once employment opportunities arise, more people will start taking up the sport. We currently have only four sports hostels for kabaddi in the state (referring to the ones in Chennai, Salem, Mayiladuthurai and Kanniyakumari). If more centres are structured, it would be more convenient for the local players. Kabaddi now is in its revival stage in Tamil Nadu after peaking in the late 1990s.”