Ajinkya Pawar: The Rising Kabaddi Star Who Became a Crorepati with Bengaluru Bulls’ Record Bid
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024
Ajinkya Pawar, a prominent raider in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has recently captured significant attention by becoming one of the top players acquired in the 2024 PKL auction. Born on February 19, 1997, Pawar has demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout his kabaddi career, earning a substantial contract worth INR 1.1075 crore from the Bengaluru Bulls. This record-setting bid underscores his rising status in the sport.
Pawar’s journey in the PKL began in Season 6 when he debuted with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. His initial season saw him make an immediate impact, securing 71 raid points over 17 matches. This impressive start established him as a promising talent in the league. He continued with the Pink Panthers for Season 7, where he refined his skills and gained further experience on the mat.
The next significant phase in Pawar’s career arrived when he joined the Tamil Thalaivas in Season 8. His debut season with the Thalaivas was marked by a stellar performance, scoring 108 raid points across 18 matches. This consistency earned him a vital role within the team, and he remained with the Thalaivas for three consecutive seasons. During Season 9, Pawar played a crucial role in leading the Thalaivas to the semifinals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure, even though the team eventually lost to the Puneri Paltan.
Throughout his PKL career, Ajinkya Pawar has accumulated 454 raid points from 1,045 raids across 92 matches. His impressive raid percentage of 35% and an average of 4.93 raid points per game highlight his steady growth and effectiveness as a raider. His career achievements also include 6 Super Raids and 11 Super 10s, demonstrating his ability to make significant contributions during critical moments. In Season 10, Pawar further solidified his reputation by scoring 124 raid points in 21 games, making him one of the most sought-after players in the league.
The 2024 PKL auction marked a pivotal moment in Pawar’s career. His performances in previous seasons attracted substantial interest from various teams, leading to a competitive bidding process. The Bengaluru Bulls emerged victorious, securing Pawar with a record bid of INR 1.1075 crore. This aggressive move by the Bulls reflects their confidence in Pawar’s capabilities and their belief that he will be a key player in their quest for the PKL title.
Following the auction, Pawar expressed his happiness and gratitude for the support from his family and fans. He acknowledged the significance of the high bid and conveyed his excitement about joining the Bengaluru Bulls. Pawar also extended his thanks to coach Randhir Sir and the Bengaluru Bulls organization for their trust in his abilities.
As Ajinkya Pawar embarks on this new chapter with the Bengaluru Bulls, he is poised to continue his impressive rise in the Pro Kabaddi League, contributing significantly to his new team’s success and further cementing his status as a leading figure in kabaddi.
