Pune, December 30 (NationPress) The Haryana Steelers' camp erupted in jubilation on Sunday at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, following a memorable 32-23 victory in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 finals against the Patna Pirates.
Shivam Patare showcased his impressive attacking skills during the match, supported well by Vinay, with the duo accumulating 9 and 6 points, respectively, which helped the JSW Sports-owned team maintain their advantage.
Mohammadreza Shadloui's defensive strength was instrumental in containing Patna's powerful offense, as the Iranian player executed five successful tackles to keep the opponents at bay.
This victory marked Haryana's first-ever title win in the PKL, a culmination of the management's thorough scouting efforts over recent years, focusing on nurturing young talents and investing in local players. Recruiting Shadloui, a key player from last year’s title-winning Puneri Paltan, was a pivotal decision, as he brought not only skill but also a winning mentality to Haryana's defense.
Captain Jaideep shared insights into the team's preparation for the final, stating, "We had already faced Patna twice and dedicated significant time to analyzing their gameplay. We developed our strategies accordingly and adhered to them. We assured the coach that we would avoid mistakes."
Jaideep also commented on Patna's raider Devank's comments about 'turning the page' against the Steelers, saying, "They aimed to turn the page. We wanted to tear the book up. That was our message to the team. We were absolutely confident of our victory. We lifted the trophy with style, aiming to enjoy and celebrate this moment," he added.
This win held special significance for Haryana's head coach Manpreet Singh, who led the team to the finals last season but fell short of the trophy. Following the victory, Manpreet expressed, "We feel ecstatic. We put in considerable effort last year. We transformed our silver medal into a gold medal. This journey has been remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring the young players. With raw talent, you can shape it as you wish. It was gratifying to see the young players apply what they learned and contribute to our trophy win."
Years of focus on sports science and training at JSW Sports' Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) have significantly enhanced the players' fitness and performance levels. Haryana Steelers CEO and JSW Sports COO Divyanshu Singh elaborated on the extensive preparations made behind the scenes to bring the team to this achievement.
"This victory has been a long time coming. It has involved immense effort - from missing out on the playoffs to enhancing our scouting initiatives, bringing in coach Manpreet Singh, and emphasizing sports science through the Inspire Institute of Sports. We have been seeking the right young talent to improve our team. Last year, we made substantial progress by reaching the finals and coming close to the trophy. This year, it was about bridging those gaps and making the necessary adjustments to secure victory," he stated.
"While the league lasts three months, our preparation cannot be limited to just 4-5 months. For the players we retained, we ensured they were continuously training at IIS throughout the year. We are in the process of establishing our academy in Haryana as well. These factors make a significant difference," he added.
The Steelers' dominance and determination throughout the season captured attention and became a hot topic of discussion. They were the first team to qualify for the playoffs and topped the league standings. Shadloui not only finished as the top defender of the season with 82 tackle points and 78 successful tackles, but Vinay also recorded 48 points in do-or-die raids, the highest by any player. Overall, Haryana achieved 260 successful tackles and 290 total team tackle points, the highest of any team this season.
Looking ahead, Shadloui expressed his enthusiasm for his time at Haryana and aspirations to win a third consecutive title. "Haryana Steelers has been a fantastic team for me. The management, players, and support staff were all exceptional. Finally - we have won the trophy. I am speaking from the heart, and I hope that next year, we at Haryana Steelers can claim the trophy again," he said.
Divyanshu also commended Manpreet and Jaideep for their contributions to this title win and highlighted their growth over the years. "Our coach is an excellent strategist. He has significantly developed his ability to manage players and understand that different athletes respond to various approaches. We have witnessed this evolution. Jaideep is one of the youngest captains, and his selfless play and inclusiveness among teammates reflect in his performance," he concluded.
