Ajay Thakur, popularly known as the ‘Iceman’ of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), is excited about his Australian debut in Melbourne on December 28 and is ready to give it his all.
Thakur, along with six others, will be participating in the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid at the John Cain Arena.
Speaking over Zoom from India, he shares his excitement about his upcoming trip, marking his first visit to Australia. He mentions that he’s heard sports are hugely popular there, with a vibrant Indian community.
“I hope that the people in Melbourne will learn more about kabaddi and its gameplay. Kabaddi has a unique charm and is a great fitness activity. I hope that the audience will not only enjoy the sport but also develop an emotional connection with it. I am looking forward to receiving plenty of love from the audience when we arrive.”
Ahead of the tour, Thakkur is training hard. With his extensive experience and that of his team, they are focusing on diet, speed, and fitness, ensuring thorough preparation.
When asked about his vision for the growth of kabaddi in Australia, Thakkur says, “The public who come to watch the games or kabaddi lovers will definitely enjoy them. A sport that receives love from the public automatically grows. I believe that if the match is exciting, we will definitely earn the public’s love. This will benefit the game, and hopefully, it will eventually reach the Olympics.”
Thakkur’s nickname, “Iceman,” reflects his calm and composed demeanor on the field, especially in high-pressure situations. As one of the Pro Kabaddi League’s most iconic raiders, he has accumulated an impressive 794 raid points in 121 matches.
“I’ve been called Iceman because I am generally cool and calm. If you’ve watched kabaddi, you’ll realise how aggressive the game can be. But I’ve never been that way, either with my team members or opponents.”
Over the years, Thakkur has become a fan favourite for his signature Dubki move. The “Dubki” move in kabaddi is a skillful and evasive technique used by raiders to score points while avoiding defenders. It involves the raider bending their body and diving or dipping under the defenders’ reach, typically by going low to the ground to evade tackles.
“Every player has a move that is their strength, and the Dubki is something I have worked on,” explains Thakkur.
Thakkur has represented top teams like Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, and Dabang Delhi K.C. He believes that working with new teams and meeting audience expectations is always a challenge, but it is also an enriching experience.
Internationally, he has won five gold medals and a bronze at major tournaments, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, where he led India to victory. Reflecting on these experiences, he shares, “There is a lot of pressure when you represent your country, and there is a world of difference between international and domestic games. When you play domestically and people cheer your name, that also brings a certain form of pressure.”
Thakkur has a word of advice for anyone aspiring to be a kabaddi player: “Work on your diet and strength. Kabaddi is a physically demanding sport, and you need a lot of strength to handle the injuries that come with it.”
For the moment, Thakur is hoping his debut in Australia will sow the seeds of a lasting bond.
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❄️ Ajay Thakur, the ‘Iceman’ of PKL, gears up for his Australian debut in Melbourne on 28 December. 🏋️♂️ His Dubki move & calm demeanour promise a thrilling kabaddi showcase. 🏆 Will #kabaddi win Aussie hearts? 💭 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/W11GGEMKT3
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 16, 2024
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