Sukesh Hegde: 'Iss Baar Garjega Gujarat'

The VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5 bandwagon has anchored itself in Ahmedabad as the next leg of the league starts on Friday. Newcomers this season and home team Gujarat Fortunegiants will be in action every matchday, so clearly there are tough days ahead. Captain of the Fortunegiants, Sukesh Hegde, is one of the best raiders on the VIVO Pro Kabaddi circuit and is the poster boy for his team this season. He spoke to prokabaddi.com before the third leg opener and shared his views on the league and his feelings on leading a new team for the first time in its home leg. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

How did VIVO Pro Kabaddi change your life?

It completely changed my life as previously I had only played at the district and state level. But now, everyone can watch us play on television. The entire world watches us. So, I am really happy that I got this opportunity.

How does it feel that your family and friends can now watch you on TV?

It really feels good. They are very happy for me and they can all watch together when I play.

When you step onto the mat there is a lot of pressure. How do you play in such a situation?

It’s been four years I have been playing in Pro Kabaddi. There was pressure in the beginning about how I will play but that is not the case now. The only pressure now is the captaincy, but if the team plays well, there will be no pressure. We have a good team and all of them are really playing well. Even, the youngsters are doing pretty well.

What changes have you seen in VIVO Pro Kabaddi from the first season to now?

There have been a lot of changes. I was a part of Telugu Titans from the very first season and played really well until the fourth season, where I got injured and couldn’t play much. In the fifth season, we are ready and will try our best to reach the final.

If you weren’t a kabaddi player, then what would you have been?

If not a kabaddi player, I would have started a small hotel business.

When did you start playing kabaddi?

I started playing when I was in school. With time, the interest in the sport increased. I played in college as well, where my coach helped me a lot.

Do you have any message for Gujarat fans in Ahmedabad and beyond?

We just want their support because it’s a new team and we are here to win. I just want to say that, “Iss Baar Garjega Gujarat”.