The television screen flickered with suspense as a dramatic bidding war unfolded at the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Player Auction. In his modest village home, 23-year-old Yogesh Dahiya sat glued to the screen, heart pounding with each rising bid. From Bengaluru Bulls to Patna Pirates and Bengal Warriors, three franchises vied for his signature, and Dahiya watched the entire spectacle unfold live, unsure where his fate would land.
“I was watching the player auction live on TV. I could see Bengaluru Bulls bidding, then Patna Pirates, then Bengal Warriorz. I was watching all this unfold,” Dahiya recalled.
When the final bid closed at a staggering Rs 1.125 crore by Bengaluru Bulls, Dahiya not only became the most expensive Indian defender in PKL auction history, but also a symbol of resilience and reward. Back in his village, his family erupted in celebration. “My family was very happy. Mom and dad were so happy that their child had become so valuable. They felt proud that I had achieved this recognition,” he said.
But Dahiya’s journey to the top wasn`t paved with ease. It began in 2018 on dusty village fields, sparked more by a desire to skip school than by sporting ambition. “The seniors used to play in the village. Looking at them, I developed an interest in playing kabaddi. It helped me avoid school work, and I also enjoyed it,” he admitted candidly.
Initially, support from his family was limited. But once his performances started drawing attention, everything changed. “In the beginning, there wasn`t much support. But after I started performing better, the family became interested. They started supporting me. On days when I didn`t feel like going to practice, they would say `get up, go to practice. What will you do at home,” he said.
Crucial to Dahiya’s development was a relative, his uncle’s son, who spotted potential in him early and became his mentor. “He introduced me to the game. He made me start playing. He guided me constantly, gave me advice regularly, and worked very hard with me,” Dahiya reflected.
Known for his sharp instincts and disciplined gameplay, Dahiya has earned the nickname `silent killer`. Unlike flashier counterparts, his approach is measured and team-centric. “You have to play with patience. Don`t be too aggressive, and don`t make too many mistakes,” he explained.
His ambitions for the upcoming season are crystal clear. “I want to do my best for my team. And this year, I hope we can lift the cup – that`s what I`m aiming for,” he signed off.
