Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 10 : Puneri Paltan CEO Kailash Kandpal believes Ajay Thakur will be a guiding force who can provide invaluable insights to the current players, a Pro Kabaddi League press release stated.
Ajay Thakur made a remarkable comeback to the Puneri Paltan, by rejoining the team in the role of assistant coach. With his return, Thakur brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep emotional connection to the squad with whom he spent two seasons in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
Speaking about his return, Thakur expressed his excitement, and said as quoted from thwerelease, "I feel really good because when I was playing, I was also part of this team. Now, in the third phase of my career, I've returned to the same team."
The timing of his return is particularly significant. With the team at a crucial juncture in the tournament, Thakur's expertise could be the catalyst they need. The defending champions have had a tough season, and are seventh on the points table having lost their last three matches on their home ground
Team CEO Kailash Kandpal highlighted the strategic thinking behind bringing Thakur on board and said, "We always believe in building our team for the long term. The management sees him not just as a coach, but as a guiding force who can provide invaluable insights to the current players."
He represented the Puneri Paltan from seasons 3 and 4, playing 30 matches, and scoring 115 raid points across both seasons. Ironically, he also made his debut as a coach against the Dabang Delhi KC, the team with whom he won the PKL trophy in 2021, alongside their current head coach Joginder Narwal.
His return to the PKL mat was also lauded by Dabang Delhi KC's head coach Joginder Narwal, who said, "Ajay is someone I've played with for many years, both in national and international tours and in Pro Kabaddi. We were even roommates when we were on the same team. He's not just an excellent kabaddi player, but also a great person. I'm very happy to see him return as an assistant coach, and he definitely has the capability to contribute to the team."
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