NEW DELHI: The stage is set for an electrifying start to the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, with a southern derby between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans scheduled to kick off the league on August 29 in Visakhapatnam.
With the league stage spanning Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and New Delhi, PKL’s return to these venues has players and fans brimming with anticipation.
The league’s official Instagram saw a live with raiders Pawan Sehrawat of the Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans' Vijay Malik — former teammates and now opponents — as they shared their excitement, insights, and camaraderie ahead of the opening clash.
“This opening match is special for me, ” said Pawan Sehrawat, who returns to Tamil Thalaivas after an injury-curtailed stint with the team in season 9. “I couldn’t spend much time on the mat last time. Now I have a chance to finish what I started."
Heaping praise on the new-look Tamil Thalaivas side, he said, "The team is well-balanced, with experienced names like Arjun Deshwal, Narendra Kandola, as well as young stars in Nitesh Kumar. We're ready.”
The match holds added emotion for Sehrawat, having spent the last two seasons with Telugu Titans. “Playing against my former team in front of their home fans in Vizag — it’s going to be intense. But I know I’ll also get some love from the Titans supporters, ” he said.
Vijay Malik, now leading the raiding charge for the Titans, is equally upbeat. “Starting the season at home is a big boost. The Telugu Titans fans are among the most passionate in the league. The energy they bring gives us that extra edge, ” he said. “We’ve got a strong unit and a great mix this season. The goal is clear — we’re going for the trophy.”