The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 1 in 2014 was an era-changing moment for Indian sports that brought kabaddi into the world’s largest and most popular public. It was put together through Mashal Sports and backed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) The league sought to modernize the game and to make the sport more appealing 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 as well as prize money and crucial 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 Vallabhbhai Ptel indoor stadium in Mumbai on the 31st of August 2014. In the final, Pink Panthers showcased an exceptional combination of skill and strategy and won the title by an impressive victory of 35-24.
Captain Navneet Gautam helmed the team with a stunning level of confidence and the players like Maninder Singh were able to make significant contributions to the field. Their consistency throughout the season made them one of the top teams in the league.
Runner-Up: U Mumba
U Mumba with their legendary captain Anup Kumar was a worthy opponent during the championship. Even though they lost the Mumbai-based team wowed the fans with their determination and tactical play all through the competition. They came in second place in the league stage, and showed their skill in the playoffs, and secured their spot in the final by winning an arduous win against Bengaluru Bulls in the semi-final.
Prize Money
The prize pool for the first season was significant, demonstrating the league’s dedication to advancing the sport of kabaddi to the level of a professional.
- Win (Jaipur Pink Panthers): Rs50 lakh
- Runner-Up (U Mumba): Rs30 lakh
- Third 3rd The prize is Rs20 lakh
- Fourth Position 10 lakh
The cash prize enticed teams and players to put in their best and make the event extremely competitive.
Teams, Captains, and Cities
The competition featured eight teams each representing a different 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 Rifleman: Anup Kumar from U Mumba emerged as the most effective raider of the year showing his agility, tactical savvy and unbeatable abilities. He earned an impressive 169 points in raids which played a crucial role in the U Mumba’s progress towards the semi-finals.
- Top Defender: Manjeet Chhillar of Bengaluru Bulls demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, earning 51 tackle points. His versatility and skills have bolstered his standing among the top kabaddi players in his generation.
- Breakout star: Rahul Chaudhari of Telugu Titans impressed with his all-round performance, setting an example for eventual success in this league.
Impact of PKL Season 1
The popularity in PKL Season 1 redefined the Kabaddi landscape in India. The league drew huge crowds and matches were broadcast on prime-time TV in a variety of languages. This increased the popularity of kabaddi, which was once an unpopular pastime into an acclaimed professional sport. The new format, paired with top-quality production, enthused an entire new generation of fans and players.
Conclusion
The debut season of Pro Kabaddi League in 2014 was not just an event for sports; it was an event that ignited the love of kabaddi that India has for. In the wake of Jaipur Pink Panthers claiming the first ever title this league set the scene for years of exciting action, inspiring many players to take a leap of faith and embrace the game. This legacy left by PKL Season 1 continues to affect every aspect of the kabaddi world becoming one of the most sought-after sporting events.
