Tamil Thalaivas part ways with coach Ashan Kumar ahead of PKL 11

Published at :March 25, 2024 at 8:34 PM

Modified at :November 5, 2024 at 4:27 AM

Last season Ashan Kumar became Thalaivas coach.

In a surprising turn of events, Tamil Thalaivas has released Ashan Kumar from the responsibility of their head coach with immediate effect. Ashan Kumar joined the head midway through season nine of the Pro Kabaddi League as a replacement for then-coach J Udaya Kumar. He instilled a new lease of life as Thalaivas scripted an amazing turnaround to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

Thalaivas said goodbye to Ashan Kumar through social media post

After Ashan was at the helm, Thalaivas won nine of their 16 games, including their maiden PKL playoff appearance and win. As a result, Ashan’s contract was extended till 2025. But both parties have decided to mutually end the contract and the announcement was made on their official social media page in Tamil, thanking his contribution.

The post translates to “Under the management’s joint agreement, Mr. Kumar and Tamil Thalaivas made this decision. Mr. Kumar has been a key player in the Pro Kabaddi League’s seasons nine and ten. The team’s strategies and wonderful culture have been greatly influenced by his commitment, knowledge, and leadership.”

The Tamil Thalaivas fans were shocked, to say the least hearing the news and conveyed their best wishes to the outgoing coach. The exact reason for the decision is still unclear as both parties had a very cordial relationship. Despite a controversy around Ashan during the Asian Games 2023, the franchise stood by him and he delivered results for the team from the south.

Under Ashan, Thalaivas had produced their best results as the captain of India’s first Asian Games gold-winning team brought in his experience and made the team play fearless Kabaddi. He has built a strong squad in the last two years. Tamil Thalaivas has started the search for a new coach who will work with this exciting bunch of youngsters.

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