PKL 11: Why Sonu Jaglan will not play in Pro Kabaddi 2024?

Sonu single-handedly won many matches for Gujarat Giants last season.

As the Pro Kabaddi League returns for its 11th (PKL 11) season, one notable player missing from the action is Sonu Jaglan. The 23-year-old raider, known for his speed and agility, was expected to be a key player for Gujarat Giants. But his absence this season is due to a major setback—Sonu was caught in a doping controversy that has left him suspended.

Sonu Jaglan’s troubles began when he failed a doping test in 2023, following his recovery from a major injury. According to reports, he had been taking medication after undergoing surgery, which, unbeknownst to him, contained banned substances. As a result, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) flagged his test, and he was subsequently suspended from competing in Pro Kabaddi League season 11.

What’s important here is that Sonu’s coach, Ram Mehar Singh, came to his defence ahead of PKL 11, explaining that the medication was purely for medical purposes. The coach emphasized that Sonu did not intentionally take performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this defence, the strict anti-doping rules meant that Jaglan still faced suspension. And that’s why he’s missing from this season.

In a recent interview with Khel Now, Ram Mehar Singh expressed his disappointment with the situation but also came to Sonu’s defence. Singh, a highly respected figure in the kabaddi world, emphasized that Sonu’s use of the medications was linked to his recovery process. According to the coach, the raider did not take these substances to gain an unfair advantage, and the doping incident was an unfortunate consequence of his treatment regimen.

Ram Mehar Singh also pointed out that Sonu Jaglan had consistently performed at a high level without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. Under his guidance, Jaglan rose to prominence for his lightning-quick reflexes and speed on the kabaddi mat, making him a key player for the Gujarat Giants.

However, despite the defence provided by his coach, the rules regarding doping are unforgiving, and Sonu Jaglan’s suspension remains in place ahead of PKL 11.

How does the ban affect Sonu’s career?

Sonu Jaglan was coming into his own in PKL, especially after strong showings in previous seasons with the Gujarat Giants. Missing an entire season is a huge blow, especially for a player. The longer he’s out, the tougher it will be for him to regain his form and standing in such a competitive league.

There’s also the psychological aspect. For someone like Sonu, being involved in a doping controversy could tarnish his reputation, even if it was unintentional. The sport has seen its share of doping cases, and athletes in kabaddi must tread carefully to avoid the same fate.

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