Pro Kabaddi League team scouts at Khelo India Youth Games

More than 4,500 athletes in Panchkula compete in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), which seems perfect for finding impeccable under18 players. Patna Pirates deputy coach MV Sundaram said they can sign these young talents "without going through the rigmarole of auction." 

Youngsters chosen can directly train with PKL teams

Scouting hidden gems are mandatory for the teams because the players participating in the Senior Nationals go into the auction pool. Seven new young players have to fill the empty spots shortly after. The respective teams then prefer to sign these rising players for two years and hone them into champions. It is to be noted that a list of players is soon to show up for trials. Out of them, the KIYG players are allowed to train with the leading team to initiate a faster learning process.

Tamil Thalaivas head coach Uday Kumar spoke in favour of the athletes in the tournament. He watched the matches and deduced that the players had great skill and physique. They are thrilled to participate in the PKL, but the only downside is that the players might not get a break in the upcoming season. Every new addition will receive salaries or prize money amounting to a few lakh rupees. As several players hail from families plagued with financial struggles, the league would be life-changing for them. 

Scouting talent from KIYG helps alleviate financial problems for some players

Meanwhile, U-Mumba and Army Green coach Anil Caprana was thrilled to witness the surge in new talent and declared that picking players at this young age is a win-win situation for both. Although they're dealing with youngsters, the amount of talent they possess is remarkable. He additionally stated that the players selected for U-Mumba or the Army team would receive financial aid and a chance to focus on their careers. The Khelo India Youth Games is an effective way to tap grassroots talent, and kabaddi scouts are jumping headfirst into the sea of young talent for the Pro Kabaddi League.

A grand opening ceremony marked the inauguration of KIYG on June 4, Saturday. Host Haryana and defending champion Maharashtra are slated to square off against each other in several events in a friendly battle of one-upmanship. The games will attempt to increase India's popularity in sports on a global level and utilize the potential of youngsters in the field of sports. The tournament has athletes competing in over 25 sports, including kabaddi.