The excitement is building for kabaddi fans as Uday Parte, the 23-year-old rising star from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, is all set to make his highly anticipated debut for the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the upcoming Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Parte, who was the second most expensive player from Category D in the PKL Season 12 auction, is geared up to showcase his talent on the national stage after years of dedicated hard work.
A Dream Realized: From Local Grounds to PKL Spotlight
Uday Parte’s journey to the Pro Kabaddi League is a testament to perseverance. His kabaddi career began in the most traditional way – by following in his elder brother’s footsteps to the local grounds. What started as a sibling bond over the sport evolved into a six-year grind that has now culminated in his first professional contract.
Unlike many athletes who start early, Parte’s kabaddi journey began at the age of 17 while still in school. Despite the relatively late start, his progress has been remarkably rapid and determined. He made a significant impact at the Junior National level in 2021, which subsequently opened doors to academy training and participation in All India tournaments, refining his skills and preparing him for the big league.
The Auction Moment: Jaipur Pink Panthers Show Faith
The PKL Season 12 Player Auction on June 1 was a life-changing moment for Uday Parte. When his name echoed through the hall as a high-value pick for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, his favorite team, the 23-year-old was overwhelmed with emotions. The Pink Panthers’ decision to invest significantly in him underscored their faith in his abilities.
“The team trusted me so much, so I have to play well anyway,” Parte reflected on the responsibility that comes with being an expensive acquisition. His first calls after the auction were to his father and his coach, Mahesh Gaur from Jabalpur, who has been a pivotal figure in his development. Gaur, a former PKL player himself, has been instrumental in guiding Parte’s transition from domestic tournaments to the professional league.
Mentorship and Preparation: Learning from the Best
Joining a seasoned team like the Jaipur Pink Panthers, with experienced players such as Nitin Rawal and Nitin Kumar Dhankar, provides Uday Parte with an invaluable learning environment. He expressed his gratitude for the mentorship he’s receiving, stating, “All the seniors are good here. They have a lot of experience, and this helps a lot. They help youngsters like me with important knowledge and then tell us what to do.”
Under the guidance of Head Coach Narender Redhu, Parte is flourishing. He shared how the coach’s trust and encouragement have boosted his self-belief. His mindset for the upcoming debut is clear: “Just take God’s name, and work as hard as I can, and just play well.”
The Road Ahead: Season 12 Expectations
As Uday Parte prepares to step onto the mat in the iconic pink jersey, his debut will not just be a personal milestone but a symbol of realized dreams through persistence and discipline. He carries the hopes of his hometown, Seoni, and serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring kabaddi players who aspire to transform their dreams from local grounds to professional glory.
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is expected to commence around late August or October 2025, with specific dates and venues to be officially confirmed. Fans are eagerly awaiting to witness Uday Parte’s impact as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
