Kashiling Adake is one of the biggest names in Indian kabaddi. A part of VIVO Pro Kabaddi from the very first season, the raider has stamped his authority in every season to become the third highest scorer in the league’s history. He has already reached the 500-point milestone and appears to be going from strength to strength.  U Mumba’s ace raider recently sat down with prokabaddi.com to give a glimpse into his kabaddi journey so far. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

How did your kabaddi journey start?

I am from Sangli and started playing after joining a kabaddi club there. After my father passed away, I used to work on the farm and then practise in the evening. My coach always told me that a raider needs to practise a single move 100 times to perfect it and ensure it can be efficiently carried out in one attempt. It was he who asked me to attend a trial camp going on at SAI. I was not selected in my first attempt and tried next year again. There, Mahindra & Mahindra’s team was practising and I sat on the bench for two days watching them play because they were one of the best kabaddi teams in Mumbai. Their coach spotted me and asked me to practise with them. After that, he liked my game and offered me to join the team on the basis of a scholarship. I was with them for three years and learned a lot in the process.

How did VIVO Pro Kabaddi happen to you?

I was selected for the national camp in Bangalore and it was there that we came to know that Pro Kabaddi was about to start. We were very happy because everyone will watch us on TV, though we didn’t expect there will be so many lights and people. We were nervous as well. Soon, I was informed that I had been picked for Rs 10 lakh. I was delighted to be a part of Pro Kabaddi.

Which player do you consider as your idol?

I follow Ajay Thakur and Rakesh Kumar because they are seniors and have played for India. I am happy that I am playing with them.

Do you have any advice for the young raiders who want to make a mark in this sport?

Both practice and hard work are of utmost importance. They need to maintain their fitness as well and as a raider one needs to have good footwork.