The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 1 in 2014 was the beginning of a new era for Indian sports and brought kabaddi to an international and national public. The league was organized through Mashal Sports and backed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) The league was designed to modernize the sport and to make available to the younger generations. The inaugural tournament was a battle between eight teams out in the double round-robin format concluding with a thrilling final.
Here’s a comprehensive review of PKL Season 1 which includes the winners, runners-up, prize money, and the key performance.
PKL Season 1 (2014): Jaipur Pink Panthers
The Jaipur Pink Panthers emerged as the winners in PKL Season 1, defeating U Mumba in a high-stakes final played at the Sardar Valabhbhai Patel indoor stadium in Mumbai on the 31st of August 2014. In the final, Pink Panthers showcased an exceptional combination of skill and strategy winning the title with a tense 35-24 win.
Captain Navneet Gautam helmed the team with an impressive level of calm as players like Maninder Singh were able to make significant contributions in the gym. Their consistency throughout the entire season helped establish them as one of the top teams in the league.
Runner-Up: U Mumba
U Mumba with their captain of the year Anup Kumar They were a worthy opponent at the end of their match. Even though they lost the Mumbai-based team was a hit with fans thanks to their determination and shrewdness during the entire tournament. They placed second in the league and proved their skills in the playoffs, and secured their spot in the finals with an arduous win against Bengaluru Bulls in the semi-final.
Prize Money
The prize money total during the inaugural season was huge, which reflects the league’s dedication to advancing the kabaddi sport to a level of professionalization.
- winner (Jaipur Pink Panthers): Rs50 lakh
- Runner-Up (U Mumba): Rs30 lakh
- Third 3rd Amount: Rs20 Lakh
- Fourth Position The prize is Rs10 lakh
The cash prize enticed teams and players to give their best, which made the event highly competitive.
Teams, Captains, and Cities
The competition featured eight teams each representing a specific city, and featuring a distinct mix of international and local players. Below is a list of all teams that took part:
| Team Name | Captain | City |
|---|---|---|
| Jaipur Pink Panthers | Navneet Gautam | Jaipur |
| U Mumba | Anup Kumar | Mumbai |
| Bengaluru Bulls | Manjeet Chhillar | Bengaluru |
| Patna Pirates | Rakesh Kumar | Patna |
| Telugu Titans | Rahul Chaudhari | Vizag |
| Dabang Delhi | Jasmer Singh Gulia | Delhi |
| Bengal Warriors | Nilesh Shinde | Kolkata |
| Puneri Paltan | Wazir Singh | Pune |
Best Raider and Top Performers
- The Best raider: Anup Kumar from U Mumba emerged as the most effective raider of the year and showed his agility, tactical savvy and unbeatable abilities. He achieved an impressive 169 points in raids which was a key factor in the journey of U Mumba towards the semi-finals.
- Top Defender: Manjeet Chhillar of Bengaluru Bulls demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, earning 51 tackle points. His abilities in all areas boosted his standing among the best kabaddi players in his generation.
- Breakout star: Rahul Chaudhari of Telugu Titans impressed with his overall performance, setting the scene for potential success in this league.
Impact of PKL Season 1
The popularity in PKL Season 1 redefined the world of kabaddi in India. The league drew huge crowds and matches were broadcast at prime time on television in various languages. The exposure helped elevate kabaddi from an unpopular pastime into an acclaimed professional sport. The unique format, coupled with top-quality production, has inspired an entire new generation of fans and players.
Conclusion
The first year of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014 was not just an athletic event. It was an important cultural event that revived the passion for kabaddi in India. The Jaipur Pink Panthers claiming the first ever title and the league setting the scene for years of thrilling action, provoking countless players to take on a bigger dream and embrace the game. This legacy left by PKL Season 1 continues to impact every aspect of kabaddi becoming one of India’s most beloved sporting events.
