Pardeep Narwal's legacy to be honoured by Pro Kabbadi League ahead of Season 12 opener

The Pro Kabbadi League announced on Wednesday, August 27, that they will honour the legacy of Pardeep Narwal with a special felicitation ceremony ahead of the start of season 12. Pardeep, fondly known as the 'Dubki King', retired from kabaddi and the PKL after he went unsold during the season 12 auction.

The star raider started his career with the Bengaluru Bulls in season two and went on to make himself a household name with the Patna Pirates. Pardeep guided the Pirates to three consecutive titles. The 28-year-old went on to have a stint with the UP Yoddhas before coming back to the Bulls for his final campaign in the PKL.

Pardeep's felicitation ceremony will take place at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on August 29, where the star raider's remarkable career will be celebrated in the presence of fans, players, and dignitaries from across the kabaddi fraternity.

Former teammates and kabbadi stars praise Pardeep Narwal

Pardeep's former teammates and legends of the sport heaped praise on the star raider. Manjeet Chhillar hailed Pardeep as one of the greatest players kabaddi has ever seen.

“Pardeep Narwal isn’t just a teammate; he’s one of the greatest players this sport has ever seen. I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside him and watching him break records that may never be touched. Beyond the mat, he’s a true friend and a wonderful human being. His legacy as the Dubki King will live on forever in the world of kabaddi,” said Pardeep.

Rishank Devadiga said that it will be weird to see season 12 of PKL without Pardeep playing.

“Pro Kabaddi League’s greatest legend, Pardeep Narwal, has retired, and we will truly miss him on the mat. His style of play, especially those lightning-fast dubkis, was unmatched and dangerous for any opponent. As Season 12 approaches, it feels strange knowing he won’t be there. I wish him the very best for his future – may his second innings in life be as successful as his first,” said Devadiga.

Pardeep Narwal's legacy in PKL

Throughout his career, Pardeep set several records in the PKL that may be tough to break. The former Patna Pirates captain is the all-time leading raid points scorer in PKL history with 1,801 Raid Points to his name. Pardeep shattered all sorts of records in season 5, where he amassed 369 raid points and executed the unforgettable eight-point raid in the playoffs.

Pardeep was the first player to breach the 1,000-raid points milestone, and his consistency over multiple seasons in the PKL made him the face of modern kabaddi.