Sunil Kumar will lead U Mumba, who won the title a decade back. At the same time, Inamdar had guided Puneri Paltan to the trophy in Season 10, becoming the first Maharashtrian captain to win PKL.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maharashtra has long been known as a hotbed for kabaddi and will have the second-most representation in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Carrying forward the state\u2019s rich heritage in the sport are U Mumba and Puneri Paltan \u2014 both former PKL champions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The commencement of Season 12 will see the return of this classic Maharashtrian rivalry. Traditionally, both sides have been regular contenders at the business end of the tournament, and as always, expectations are high to go one better this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The latest chapter of this rivalry will unfold on September 18 in Jaipur at the historic Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium \u2014 the same venue that hosted the league\u2019s 1000th match in 2024.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Further heightening the contest is the presence of kabaddi legend Ajay Thakur as coach of Puneri Paltan. At the same time, U Mumba is guided by head coach Anil Chaprana, who will be rejoining the side as the top boss after a season as the assistant coach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Back from injury and eager to make his mark, Puneri Paltan skipper Inamdar said, \u201cBeing born and raised in Maharashtra, it was always my dream to represent the state in kabaddi. Playing for Puneri Paltan and becoming a champion has been one of the proudest moments of my career. To once again stand on such a big stage in the PKL and represent where I come from is a very special feeling for me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to the season, U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar shared: \u201cMaharashtra has always been a powerhouse of Kabaddi, and this shows how big the sport truly is here. For me, to lead U Mumba\u2014a team with such a strong legacy and talented players\u2014is a matter of immense pride. We have prepared with full focus and determination, and our goal this season is to go beyond the playoffs and bring the trophy back to Mumbai.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
U Mumba\u2019s head coach, Anil Chaprana, added: \u201cIt is a matter of great pride for me to return as head coach of U Mumba. This team has entrusted me with responsibility once again, and that fills me with excitement and determination. My focus is on instilling discipline, fearlessness, and a never-give-up attitude in the players so they give their best in every match. With hard work and commitment, I am confident we will make the fans proud.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Puneri Paltan head coach Ajay Thakur was equally excited about using his experience as a player in becoming a successful full-time coach:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTransitioning from being a player to taking on a full-time coaching role is both a challenge and a privilege. Having played kabaddi for many years, I now want to use that experience to bring out the best in this new generation of players. Coaching a big team from Maharashtra is a proud moment for me, and I am committed to helping the players perform to their fullest potential.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Puneri Paltan head coach Ajay Thakur was equally excited about using his experience as a player in becoming a successful full-time coach:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The league stage of PKL 12 will kick off with blockbuster clashes between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas, followed by Bengaluru Bulls and Puneri Paltan at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag on August 29.<\/p>\r\n\r\n