The Professional Kabaddi League, launched in 2014, has reworked kabaddi in some ways to make the game extra accessible to the followers. As we enter a brand new decade of the PKL, E Prasad Rao, fondly referred to as Kabaddi Rao and the Technical Director of PKL, shared precious insights into the outstanding journey of refereeing within the league over the past 10 years. Forward of the brand new season, Kabaddi Rao and his group held a camp for 45 referees from October 1 to 14 – with eight feminine officers, together with 20 first-timers – a stark improve from final season’s 37 referees.
With lower than every week remaining for the primary match of PKL 11 between the Telugu Titans and the Bengaluru Bulls on the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 18, we caught up with the Technical Director of the PKL to debate the expansion of the refereeing division over the past 10 years.
“I used to be concerned with PKL from the very starting, serving to to form the foundations and laws to boost the sport’s attraction,” Rao recalled. This early involvement set the stage for a complete method to officiating that has developed via the years.
One of the vital vital developments has been the introduction of a structured coaching program for referees. “The idea of formal referee coaching programs and workshops took place after PKL’s inception,” Rao explains. “It isn’t nearly getting a certification and blowing a whistle anymore. We’re instructing officers to really perceive their function.”
This shift from ad-hoc officiating to skilled improvement has been a game-changer.
The PKL has pioneered a number of improvements in officiating, most notably the introduction of the TV umpire. “PKL was the primary to introduce TV umpiring in kabaddi,” Rao acknowledged proudly. This technological development has considerably improved the accuracy of decision-making within the fast-paced sport.
The league’s dedication to officiating excellence is clear with its complete coaching method. “We have created specialised roles and practical areas for officers. As an illustration, we now have 4 line umpires, a place that did not exist in kabaddi earlier than,” detailed. This specialization has led to extra exact and honest judgments throughout matches.
Bodily health and psychological preparedness of referees have additionally turn out to be focal factors. “Our coaching classes begin early, specializing in bodily health. We work on particular abilities like response time and agility, that are essential for maintaining with kabaddi’s dynamic nature,” commented Rao.
Apparently, the PKL has integrated unconventional coaching strategies to boost referees’ efficiency. “We have built-in yoga classes into our coaching routine,” Rao reveals. This observe helps officers keep composure and make clear-headed selections below strain.
Communication abilities have been one other space of serious enchancment. “We’re working with speech specialists to assist referees talk successfully and uniformly,” he says, highlighting the significance of clear and constant signaling and verbal cues throughout matches.
The PKL’s referee coaching program has set new requirements within the sport, influencing even nationwide and worldwide kabaddi our bodies. “We’re seeing state associations and even worldwide organizations conducting related workshops now,” Rao notes. “There is a rising recognition of the significance of referee coaching.”
Seeking to the longer term, Rao emphasizes the essential function of officiating within the success of the league. “Good refereeing and judgment are essential for the success of any competitors,” he asserts. This philosophy has not solely improved the standard of matches however has additionally fostered respect for referees amongst gamers and followers alike.
Because the Professional Kabaddi League enters its second decade, the progress in refereeing stands as a testomony to the league’s dedication to excellence. From technological improvements to complete coaching applications, the evolution of officiating in PKL has considerably contributed to the game’s rising reputation and professionalism. With continued focus and innovation, the usual of refereeing in kabaddi is about to succeed in even larger heights within the years to return.
For all updates on the Professional Kabaddi league, go online to www.prokabaddi.com, obtain the Official Professional Kabaddi app or comply with @prokabaddi on Instagram, YouTube, Fb and X.
The Professional Kabaddi League Season 11 might be broadcast dwell on the Star Sports activities Community and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar from October 18.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by EDNBOX workers and is printed from a press launch)
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