The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 concluded in style on Sunday, December 29, with Haryana Steelers defeating Patna Pirates 32-23 in a thrilling final at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. This marked the Steelers’ maiden PKL title, capping off a season filled with unforgettable moments.
Amid the excitement, the spotlight also fell on the coaches who showcased exceptional leadership, tactical brilliance, and the ability to extract top performances from their squads. These masterminds not only managed their teams effectively but also left an indelible mark on the tournament. Let’s dive into the profiles of the standout coaches from Pro Kabaddi Season 11.
1. Manpreet Singh – Haryana Steelers
Manpreet Singh finally tasted glory as a coach, guiding the Haryana Steelers to their first PKL title. Having suffered heartbreak in three previous finals, his determination and strategic acumen led the Steelers to an extraordinary season.
The Steelers, runners-up in Season 10 under his leadership, bounced back this year to claim the ultimate prize. Manpreet, a former Indian all-rounder, had earlier guided the Gujarat Giants to back-to-back runners-up finishes in Seasons 5 and 6. Interestingly, he also won the PKL title as a player with Patna Pirates, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest kabaddi minds.
2. Joginder Narwal – Dabang Delhi K.C.
Former champion and ex-captain Joginder Narwal transitioned seamlessly into his role as head coach of Dabang Delhi K.C. Promoted from assistant coach, Joginder led his team to an impressive campaign in Season 11.
Under his stewardship, Dabang Delhi K.C. enjoyed a record-breaking 15-match unbeaten streak, including 11 wins and 4 ties. They finished second in the standings with 81 points but fell short of a title as Patna Pirates ended their dream run in the semi-finals. Despite the heartbreak, Joginder’s tactical brilliance and player management were key highlights of the season.
3. Narender Kumar Redhu – Patna Pirates
Narender Kumar Redhu reinforced his reputation as one of the most promising coaches in Indian kabaddi. Opting for a youthful squad instead of marquee players, he skillfully guided Patna Pirates to yet another final.
The three-time PKL champions secured fourth place in the standings with 77 points. They defeated U Mumba in the Eliminator and knocked out Dabang Delhi K.C. in the semi-finals. While they fell short of a record fourth title, Redhu’s coaching prowess ensured the Pirates had a season to remember.
4. Jasveer Singh – UP Yoddhas
Consistency defined the Jasveer Singh-coached UP Yoddhas in PKL 11. Known for being one of the most dependable teams in PKL history, they maintained their reputation with another Playoffs appearance.
The Yoddhas finished third in the standings with 79 points, boasting 13 wins, 3 ties, and only 6 losses. Despite defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Eliminator, they were eliminated by eventual champions Haryana Steelers in the semi-finals. Jasveer’s tactical adaptability and ability to motivate his squad shone throughout the tournament.
5. Gholamreza Mazandarani – U Mumba
A globally acclaimed kabaddi coach, Gholamreza Mazandarani led U Mumba back to the Playoffs after a three-season drought. The Iranian coach, famed for guiding his national team to gold in the 2018 Asian Games, brought his expertise to the Mumbai-based franchise.
U Mumba finished fifth in the standings with 12 wins, 2 ties, and 8 losses. Their campaign ended in the Eliminator against Patna Pirates, but Mazandarani’s impact was undeniable. With a history of success in Pro Kabaddi and international kabaddi, he remains a revered figure in the sport.
Conclusion
Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League was as much about the players as it was about the tactical brilliance of their coaches. From Manpreet Singh’s historic triumph to Gholamreza Mazandarani’s revival of U Mumba, the coaches played a pivotal role in shaping their teams’ destinies. As kabaddi continues to grow globally, these masterminds will remain central to the sport’s evolution.
Key Takeaways
- Manpreet Singh: Finally clinched a PKL title after years of near-misses.
- Joginder Narwal: Transitioned from player to coach with remarkable success.
- Narender Kumar Redhu: Built a youthful Patna Pirates squad that exceeded expectations.
- Jasveer Singh: Ensured UP Yoddhas remained a Playoffs staple.
- Gholamreza Mazandarani: Revitalized U Mumba with his international expertise.
Which coach impressed you the most this season? Let us know in the comments below!