Patna Pirates' Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh has set the stage on fire in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 9. The Iranian is currently the best defender in the tournament with 65 tackle points in 16 matches.
Chiyaneh also set the record for the most tackle points in a single game when he racked up 16 points against Dabang Delhi K.C. earlier this month as read in a statement by PKL Media.
The Iranian, who is playing his second season, expressed that his self-confidence has risen in this edition, "I have always trained hard during on and off-season. I focus more on fitness during off-season. But I feel more confident this season. My first PKL season was very hard for me. But now, I know how all the raiders play."
Chiyaneh also confidently said that he will go on to become the best defender ever in PKL, "I would definitely like to be a part of the Gold Medal winning team at the Asian Games next year and also become the best defender in vivo PKL history and I am confident that I will achieve this feat."
When asked about how he stumbled upon the sport of kabaddi, the all-rounder said, "I have been playing kabaddi for eleven years. I used to play football before I started playing kabaddi. One of my friends after playing a Junior Asian Kabaddi Championship came and told me that I should play kabaddi. I didn't know anything about kabaddi that time. My friend told me that I have a good physique for kabaddi and then introduced me to the sport."
Chiyaneh also shared his interests off the mat, "The off-season is fun time for me, but I ensure I practice everyday. I also travel a lot when I am not playing in vivo PKL. I've gone to Turkey & Dubai and I travel within Iran as well. I am also a foodie. Irani food is very delicious. My favourite is Ghormeh Sabzi. I also watch movies and listen to music. My favourite Hindi film is PK because I like Aamir Khan."
( With inputs from ANI )
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