Dadaso Pujari's Khelo India Journey: From Youth Games to Pro Kabaddi Star

Having risen through the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula to earn three seasons with Puneri Paltan as a reliable right-corner defender, Dadaso is now drawing on that experience as he competes on the sands of Ghoghla Beach, as per a press release.

Dadaso's journey is a compelling example of how the Khelo India pathway is fueling Indian kabaddi at the highest level and, in turn, strengthening it through players who return after gaining exposure on larger platforms.

For the Kolhapur-born defender, the road to professional kabaddi began at the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula, where his performances earned him a place in the Puneri Paltan set-up. From there, he progressed through the Yuva Paltan system before featuring across three seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League.

For Dadaso, whose father Shivaji Pujari is a farmer and whose upbringing in Kolhapur was marked by limited resources, this journey holds more profound meaning.

He began playing kabaddi at age 12 after watching his friends in his village. From school competitions to representing Maharashtra and eventually earning a professional contract, each step was shaped by structured opportunities provided through Khelo India.

"Whatever I am today is because of Khelo India," Dadaso said while speaking to SAI Media.

"The Youth Games in Panchkula opened the doors for me to the Pro Kabaddi League. Even after playing at that level, I always feel connected to Khelo India. Returning to this platform feels like coming back home."

Having proven himself as a right-corner defender known for his sharp ankle holds and defensive awareness, Dadaso is now adapting to a new challenge in beach kabaddi.

"Playing on sand is completely different from playing on the mat. Movement is slower, balance is tougher, and every tackle requires extra effort. But these challenges help you grow as a player," he said.

Dadaso is not alone in returning to the Khelo India platform. At the ongoing second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven players who have featured in the Pro Kabaddi League are representing their respective states. Their participation underlines the depth created by the Khelo India Scheme, which has significantly enriched the Pro Kabaddi League with a steady supply of talent.

Now, those very players are returning to the national developmental platform, adding experience, quality and visibility to the Khelo India Beach Games.

The presence of Pro Kabaddi League players at Khelo India events extends beyond the Beach Games. At the recently concluded Khelo India University Games in Jaipur, nearly 25 players with Pro Kabaddi League experience represented their respective universities.

This trend clearly reflects how the Khelo India Scheme has strengthened the professional league, while also ensuring that elite players continue to engage with and elevate national-level competitions.

Dadaso believes this cycle is vital for the future of Indian kabaddi. "Khelo India gives young players exposure, confidence and a clear direction. When players return after playing professionally, the level of competition automatically rises and younger athletes get inspired," he said.

- ANI