PKL 11: Patna Pirates is the best team & I have respect for them, says Manpreet Singh

Haryana Steelers finished at the top of PKL 11 points table.

Haryana Steelers made history in Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11), claiming their maiden title with a commanding 32-23 victory over the Patna Pirates at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh alongside captain Jaideep Dahiya and CEO shared their thoughts on the PKL 11 ultimate win.

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On facing Patna Pirates in PKL 11

With Mohammadreza Shadloui leading the charge, the Steelers delivered a stellar performance. Shivam Patare shone with 9 points, Shadloui added 7, and Vinay contributed 6 to secure the title. The triumph earned the Steelers a well-deserved INR 3 crore, while the Pirates took home INR 1.8 crore as runners-up.

“See we have already played two matches against them in PKL 11. So you know where their weakness lies and what mistakes they made. So we planned accordingly and played. The coach had already told us that don’t get touches and we will win,” said captain Jaideep.

The PKL 11 final began with the Steelers dominating early exchanges, thanks to the efforts of Shivam and Shadloui. While Patna Pirates tried to stay in the game through Devank and Sudhakar, the Haryana Steelers’ defence, marshalled by Jaideep and Rahul Sethpal, made scoring incredibly challenging. At halftime, the Steelers held a slim 15-12 lead.

In the second half, the Steelers stepped up, with Shadloui scoring crucial points and the team forcing the game’s only all-out to take control. As the clock wound down, the Steelers managed the pressure brilliantly, shutting down any hopes of a Pirates comeback.

“The biggest advantage we got is that even when we had qualified we had three matches left against Delhi, UP Yoddhas and U Mumba and we were planning how we could get things our way even if we lose those matches, what teams we will get in the semifinal or final. So we have been planning since then. And for Patna, we have already defeated them twice and my team played really well, ” said Manpreet Singh in the same context.

“Of course the match was tough. Patna Pirates played really well the entire season and no one wants a one-sided final. Their team were in full confidence and so were we. In the last the team that made less mistakes won, ” he added.

On his special bond with Patna Pirates

At the final whistle, the Haryana Steelers celebrated their first-ever PKL crown, marking a historic moment in PKL 11. Head coach Manpreet Singh has a very special relationship with Patna Pirates himself. It was this very team where he played in Pro Kabaddi and even won the title in season 3 with them.

“I have huge respect for Patna, they have given me so much. I respect the fans so much, the owners, they gave me the entry in Pro Kabaddi. Life comes in full circle, I have won them a trophy and today I snatched away the trophy from them, so this is what Kabaddi is. Patna are a great team and we had huge fun playing them in the final,” said coach Manpreet Singh.

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