Interview: M.Iqbal Uchila, Dubai
Dubai: Rishank Devadiga iconed as a future star of Indian kabbadi team- is representing the Indian team in kabbadi and is in a bid to bring credit to the country through kabbadi is working hard for it daily. In the Kabbadi Pro League match held in Mumbai recently, he has given a best performance by which he is renowned among all the house-olds, and is quite enthusiastic learning that the number of fans is adding on.
The 22-year-old Rishank Devadiga is a sportsman at Bharat Petroleum Institute, is on his toes to represent India, people are astonished by his awesome performance in the kabbadi Pro League tournament, is quite keen to achieve more.
Rishank was on his Dubai trip with Mumbai kabbadi team a few days ago, had visited the ‘Kannadiga World’ office, and began his conversation on kabbadi.
How about your childhood, education and parents?
We are basically from Gangolli in Udupi district. Since my parents were residing in Mumbai, I was born and brought-up in Santacrauz, Mumbai. I got my primary education at Saint Antony’s school, and now I perceive my final B.Com degree in R.J. College. I lost my father at a younger age. I was nurtured by my mother and i grew up along with my mother and elder sister.
What kind of encouragement did you get from your parents for Kabaddi, how were you motivated by people?
In many places of Mumbai, I’ve played kabbadi. Initially, my mother denied supporting me for Kabbadi. I choose kabbadi as my favorite game, and participated in all the Kabbadi tournaments in Mumbai. My mother was in a anxiety that I could get hurt by playing Kabbaddi, which could deploy my education. Later, watching my performance, even my mother began to support me. Since I lost my father at a very young age, my mother played the role of both mother and father. The people who watched my game also supported me. She motivated me to participate in all the games conducted at all places, and co-operated to make me better player today.
When there are various sports such as Cricket, Football and hockey, why did you chose Kabaddi?
All were behind sports such as cricket, football and Hockey, so I focused on kabaddi. From an early age I was participating in Kabaddi game as I liked it very much. As I grew up, it enlightened my life. People started to recognize me because of kabaddi. It made me more enthusiastic.
Why did you give-up kabaddi in the past? How did you step-into kabaddi once again?
My mother (Prarvathi) brought up my sister and me all alone by working as a beautician. Because of financial crises I could not perceive my further education after SSLC. Then I had to bid goodbye to my education and I started working for Leela Hotel in Mumbai. I still continued to play kabaddi. Then I got selected to the Mumbai District team where I gave a good performance. Later I was selected for the Mumbai team. In the meantime, I joined R.J. College at Mumbai to continue my education.
How did kabaddi continue?
I began to play Kabaddi since the age of 7/8years. It continued even in the school and college days. My Kabbadi professional life began on contract basis for Dena Bank. After Mumbai, I played on behalf of Maharashtra team. I was chosen for the Indian team camp for Asian games. Post which, I got selected for “U-Mumba “team, during Kabbadi Pro League match bidding process.
What do you feel about kabbadi Pro League match performance?
In Pro kabaddi team, I played on behalf of “U-Mumba” team. As an raider, as well as all-rounder I gave a good performance. Due to this the “U- Mumba” team was successful in stepping onto the final round. In the finals our team suffered from injuries resulting in the defeat by Jaipur team. However, in this event,’ Best Rider ‘,’ Best defender ‘, Best Movement of the Match’ award was granted to me. This achievement has laid the deep foundation in my life as Kabaddi professional.
Do people like Kabaddi than cricket?
Yes, In India, other sports are meagerly supported than cricket. But, post the Pro kabaddi League (PKL) tournament, a large mass have started to like kabaddi same as cricket and have begun to support. After the PKL in the social sites, kabaddi, has gained much of interest and support. In the future I am sure that even Kabaddi will grow and gain popularity as Cricket.
