Haryana Steelers are currently in the sixth position with 15 points in the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League, haveling won three games while losing one in four games. After losing their season opener, skipper Mohit Nandal along with co-captain Jaideep Dahiya has led his team superbly in the next three games to register three consecutive wins. Hence, after the win over Puneri Paltan, the Right Cover Defender opened up in an exclusive chat with Team RevSportz as he shared his views upon leadership, choosing Kabaddi, his idol, and lot more.
Snehasis: How did you start playing Kabaddi? Any specific reason?
Mohit: I come from a village. So, my uncle was a Kabaddi coach in the village and I used to go to the ground with him. Many other children were there and used to go just for fun. Initially, I could not understand the game but it eventually became my profession.
Snehasis: Captain for this season, how are you enjoying the new role, leading the team along with Jaideep Dahiya?
Mohit: As a captain, this is my first time. Few days back, I said that the captaincy is just a tag. All the players in our team are same aged and hence, we sit and talk together. During a match, every player is putting out individual views and that is how, our team is now working, collectively.
There is no perfect player. Each player has some strengths and weaknesses. Jaideep knows what is my strength and weakness very well. The same way, I also know his. So, we sit together, talk and make solid plans for the team.
Snehasis: What is leadership for you?
Mohit: For me, leadership is to keep the team together. Whatever the situation, you cannot let the team get divided. Each player has to understand one another. And as a leader, one should take bold decisions in difficult situations like whoever is best suited for the team, choose him to play.
Snehasis: Haryana Steelers missed the playoff place in last two seasons by just 2 points each time. So, is that an extra motivation for you specially as a leader to qualify for the playoffs?
Mohit: For the last two seasons, we have been finishing in seventh position. This time, the management has motivated us and the players are together. We are playing matches together and closely looking at the opponents’ matches.
Snehasis: Your third season with this team. How much do you enjoy playing for this team?
Mohit: I completed two years with this franchise. I had some offers and option to go into the auction. But, still, I chose Haryana Steelers because for me, this the best management you can ever get. Managers and other treat you as brothers here. Managers or CEO, whoever it is, they treat you as brothers. So, I like this management very much and in future also, will be with this franchise only.
Snehasis: Personally, what is your goal for this season?
Mohit: About personal goals, we will think later. But, I really want to take the team to this year’s final.
Snehasis: We all know how experienced a coach Manpreet Singh is. So, how is the experience so far working with him since the last season? Anything special that you gathered so far?
Mohit: He motivates a lot. We lost the first match but he did not let the team get disappointed at any stage. From him, I have learned not to get disheartened at any stage. So, self-motivation and the power to motivate other players also.
Snehasis: When we talk about Kabaddi, we generally know teams like India, Iran. So, now, sports like squash, cricket have been added for the Olympics. So, how do you see Kabaddi in the world stage. Do you see the sport in the Olympics going forward?
Mohit: Yes, definitely we can see. After this kind of league, Kabaddi has come up in the ranks and perhaps, it has become the second-ranked sport in India. Recently, in the Asian Games, gold medals came and after Pro-Kabaddi, many new players have started to play the sport. So, going forward, we can see Kabaddi in the Olympics.
Snehasis: Who is your favourite player you have idolised?
Mohit: Rakesh Kumar! When I started Kabaddi, my brother was in the Delhi Police team. He used to show me Rakesh Kumar’s video of raiding and defending. Since the beginning, I have only followed him.
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