Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Sep 19: "I had the desire to play for Bangalore Bulls team. However, during the selection process, I was chosen for U Mumba Pro Kabaddi team. I have received wholehearted support from all quarters. My next aim is to secure a place in the national team and play for India," said Rishank Devadiga, who played as an all-rounder for U Mumba team in Pro Kabaddi League, and mesmerized the audience with his talent and physical prowess.
He spoke to reporters during his visit to native place, Gangolli, on Thursday September 18, at his home, Gaddemane. Rishank, who was accompanied by his mother Parvati Devadiga, was accorded a warm welcome by the locals, well-wishers and especially students.
Rishank says he was inclined towards playing Kabaddi when he was seven or eight years old. "The area we were living in was conducive to play this indigenous game. During my school and college days too, good opportunities came my way. Since the last four years, I have been playing Kabaddi as a professional. Coach, Pratap Shetty, has extended wholehearted support to my interest in playing this game. He was the one who taught me about the delicate points and nuances of this wonderful game," Rishank, who has risen in fame and popularity because of his skillful game, he reveals.
Rishank confessed that he wanted to represent Karnataka when selection process was set into motion, but his wish did not come true. "Let us see what is in store for me in future. Jaipur team was the strongest in Pro Kabaddi, and it had very strong players," he said.
Questioned about the lack of coordination and deft play in the last game played by his team, although his team was known for these qualities in earlier games, Devadiga said everyone was tired as 14 games were played one after the other. He said they had to go on and play irrespective of the fact that they were very much tired. "There were occasions when we also went through painful experiences and injuries. But there is no choice but to go on with the game, as victory of our team was of paramount importance," he added.
He noted that Pro Kabaddi League starts from March onwards beginning next year, and that the players are bound by two years contract. "We get elated at the support we get from our fans. I have received hearty welcome on arrival in Gangolli. My sister and other relatives have provided me fillip all through. If the same extent of support is continued, I can definitely achieve great things in Kabaddi," he said.
Rishank took up the task of visiting all the schools in his hometown and mixing with the children there on Thursday. He said he wanted to meet the children in order to create in their minds an interest in Kabaddi. He expressed happiness at the grand welcome and felicitation he got at these schools, and recollected that the children vied with one another to get his autograph.