Haryana Steelers have proved their mettle during their debut VIVO Pro Kabaddi campaign with assured performances against established teams. While their offence boasts the likes of Vikas Kandola, Wazir Singh, Surjeet Singh and Prashanth Kumar Rai, it’s in the defence where their strength lies. The chemistry between captain Surender Nada and Mohit Chhillar has been one of the crucial factors behind their defensive solidity.

Nada recently spoke to prokabaddi.com about his combination with Chhillar as well as his kabaddi journey, among other things. The ankle hold specialist revealed how much of an influence his brother was in his development as an athlete.

“I started kabaddi when I was a kid and I didn’t know that kabaddi is played at the national level as well,” Nada explained. “My brother guided me to play and choose the sport I have to play. I decided to play kabaddi and my brother told my coach that I want to play and become a kabaddi player. At the time, I didn’t know that kabaddi will grow so much and will be played at such a big level. So, my first target was to do well and establish myself,” he added.

Commenting on if he and Chhillar are the best corner combination in the league this year, he said: “Everyone tells us that we are a very good corner combination and I think because of that reason we are on the same team... Every raider knows that we have a good combination, so they are always under pressure to get points against us.”

When asked about his most cherished memory, Nada admitted that it was his 2016 Kabaddi World Cup achievement in national colours. “Winning the Kabaddi World Cup was the moment which I will never forget because we got the gold medal for our country,” he concluded.