PKL 12: Naveen Kumar shares his thoughts on playing under coach Manpreet Singh

Naveen Kumar participated in the auction for the first time in PKL 12.

After six successful Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) seasons with Dabang Delhi, star raider Naveen Kumar is ready for a fresh start. Picked up by defending champions Haryana Steelers for ₹1.20 crore at the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 auction, Naveen is looking forward to teaming up with one of the most respected names in the sport—head coach Manpreet Singh.

The youngster expressed his excitement about reuniting with a coach who has inspired him since his early days in the sport.

“Manpreet Sir has been a champion player and now a champion coach. We have been hearing his name for years. He always motivates the players. I have practised with him before, and I know that this time, too, it will be a lot of fun,” said Naveen Kumar after making the move.

Manpreet Singh’s credentials speak for themselves. A former India international with seven years of experience, Manpreet represented the nation at the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games and was part of the victorious 2007 Kabaddi World Cup squad.

In the PKL, he remains the only individual to win the title both as a captain (with Patna Pirates in Season 3) and as a coach (with Haryana Steelers in Season 11).

Naveen Kumar joins Haryana Steelers in PKL 12

Naveen Kumar’s move to Haryana was one of the headline stories of the PKL 12 auction. Despite concerns over past injuries, the raider attracted strong bids late on Day 1. Starting with a base price of ₹20 lakhs in Category B, he quickly became a hot pick, with Telugu Titans, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and U Mumba entering the fray.

But it was Manpreet Singh’s unwavering interest that clinched the deal. “I had said during the auction that Naveen is a brilliant raider. We wanted him, and I’m glad we got him. He is a top player with outstanding skills, and we have seen that in the PKL and at the national level. Although last season his injury derailed him a bit but I know he will be better this season. His arrival makes our raiding unit even stronger,” Manpreet commented.

With his move to the Steelers now confirmed, fans are eager to see if the Naveen-Manpreet partnership can deliver yet another championship run.

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