Diu, Jan 9: India are set to unleash a new weapon at the Asian Games: a calm, quiet right-corner who waits for the perfect moment before crushing raiders with his lethal double thigh hold.
At the Khelo India Beach Games, Haryana’s march to another kabaddi final looked routine.
But one player did not look settled. Yogesh Dahiya, 21, stood on the mat with a sense of urgency, already thinking ahead.
Within days, he will walk into the national camp for the Asian Games in Japan -- his first senior India call-up after coming through the junior ranks.
For Dahiya, this is the chance he has been waiting for a long time.
“It gives a lot of exposure. It’s a platform to showcase your skills and get noticed for jobs,” he told PTI.
“I am excited to be part of the Indian camp. The aim is to play for India. I will give my everything and perform with full commitment.”
Though raiders usually steal the spotlight, Dahiya forced his way into the headlines during the Pro Kabaddi League 12 auction when Bengaluru Bulls paid Rs 1.125 crore for him, briefly making him the most expensive Indian defender in league history and keeping him among the top five buys. (PTI) |
