#TFGinterview: Journey to the top – In conversation with Dabang Delhi defender Nilesh Shinde

RIVAL RAIDERS have a reason to fear Dabang Delhi this season with the presence of defensive stronghold Nilesh Shinde in the right corner. 

During the PKL-5 auction, the veteran defender saw a Rs 35.5 lakh bid from the Delhi-franchise, to end his four-year stint with the Bengal Warriors. The former Warriors skipper has used his defensive prowess to earn 129 points in 54 PKL matches. The Maharashtra stalwart is also known to have played a key role in India’s Asian Games 2008 victory. His acquisition is bound to solve Delhi’s defensive woes in the upcoming season.

Nilesh, who is known for his impenetrable defence, had an exclusive interview for The Fan Garage, as he spoke about his journey from grass-root to PKL, his best moment from the league and the history behind his inescapable ankle-hold.

TFG: Having moved from Bengal to Delhi after a four-year stint and having been a part of Dabangs’ preparatory camp from the day it kicked off in late June, what major changes have you found in the team’s approach to practice drills? What has been the team’s main focus?

Nilesh: The approach to the training camp hasn’t been any different. Since the very first day, our prime focus has been on raising our fitness levels. Apart from addressing requisite fitness, our chief coach Dr. Ramesh Bhendigiri, has also brought skill practice to the fore. He strongly believes that by focussing on different facets from time to time, players can easily be made to work on their strengths and weaknesses. Following an early morning session of fitness, the team undertakes a skill training. And, in the evening, we engage in a practice match to analyse improvement in those skills. 

TFG: You have had a long journey from playing at grass-root levels to eventually featuring in the national side and also captaining the Bengal Warriors in PKL. What all challenges did you overcome in your path to glory?

Nilesh: The path was filled with obstacles. After starting to play kabaddi at school level I fought against many odds to play for college, district, state and eventually nation. Back then, Kabaddi and Kabaddi players had little recognition in India. However, after the commencement of PKL, every street, every village, every town has started taking interest in the sport. It is a moment of pride for players as people are acknowledging our hard-work and achievement. It also feels great that Kabaddi, which is among India’s ancient sports, is finally gaining popularity and is growing across all regions.

TFG: You took up kabaddi in an era when it was very unpopular among sports as well as among professions. What was the reaction of parents? Did they support you in this journey?

Nilesh: It is true that no one took notice of the sport when I decided to pursue my career in it. Even during my playing days at BPCL, only the tournament winners used to receive some applause. But today, when we go to play national-level competitions, people don’t even let us do our warm-up. Such is the enthusiasm of the fans. Speaking of support, my parents and my brother have been very encouraging since the start. However, I had a better part of my nurturing coming from my uncle Sohail Salunkhe, who used to play for Fire Brigade. Being a kabaddi player himself, he prodded me to set higher goals. I attribute all the success in my sporting career to his backing. 

TFG: When was the time that you decided to pursue kabaddi as a profession?

Nilesh: I was close to 19 when I got completely hooked on to the game. I was guided by my uncle in all my early ventures. While supporting me financially, he also convinced my parents to let me take the less trodden path. It was him, who helped me get a job at BPCL through sports quota.

TFG: Speaking about PKL and your time at Bengal Warriors and Dabang Delhi, how do you rate the facilities of the two franchises?

Nilesh: As I said, there has hardly been any change in training or in the facilities provided by the two franchises. Just like at Bengal, we are getting top notch treatment here at DD. Although there is a difference in the training schedule, the amenities at our service are more or less the same.

TFG: The Dabangs haven’t had a run to boast much about in the PKL. Since you are the senior-most member in their squad, is there any kind of pressure on you to help the side achieve that evasive qualification spot?

Nilesh: Absolutely not. There is no such pressure on me. Our coach has done a thorough analysis of all team members. He is aware of the key players in the squad and he is working towards building a strategy around them. This year, I am confident that the Dabangs will give their 100% and finish in the top half of the table. 

TFG: With a squad strength of 21, do you think there is a weak link that needs to be addressed before the league kicks off?

Nilesh: Our team is fully equipped to take on 22 games this season. The Delhi management has rightly picked replacements for players in every position. We have plenty of options in defence as well as offense. And, the lengthy season is likely to provide a playing berth for every member in the team.

TFG: You are regarded as the ‘ankle-hold’ specialist. When and from whom did you learn the trick?

Nilesh: It was during my college days, when my coach taught me this skill. I was informed about the instances when rival raiders are forced to look for bonus points. And, that is the moment when they are most vulnerable and need to be attacked with an ankle-hold. I studied my opposition raider and practiced ‘ankle-hold’ over and over again to build my defensive prowess. Even today, we practise ‘ankle-hold’ at least a 100 times during our practice sessions. We have two coaches at Dabang Delhi; Prashant Mukul and Dr. Bhendigiri. While one of them is working on defenders the other keeps working on raiders. 

TFG: What has been your best moment in the PKL?

Nilesh: My favourite moment was when I led the Bengal side to fourth spot in the points table. We were languishing in the bottom half of the table in the initial two season, hence, when we finished fourth in the third season, it was a great achievement for the team. 

TFG: As you hail from Ratnagiri and have represented Maharashtra quite a few times, you have been in close quarters with the whole kabaddi scene in the state. How different is it today from before the time PKL launched?

Nilesh: We were noticing a steady decline in the number of players vying to represent the Maharashtra kabaddi team. However, after the first season of PKL, the sport has started to grow in every corner of the state. Today, I see a lot of people playing the sport up at a grass-root level. By the looks of it, I feel that Maharashtra is not far away from reviving its olden days, when it topped among all states. 

DISCLAIMER: The interview was originally conducted in Hindi. 

[ALSO READ: INDIAN ACES: Rejigged local cadre to help Dabang Delhi earn its elusive qualification spot ]

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