Kabaddi World Cup: Narwal keen to build family's legacy

AHMEDABAD: If you thought Kiran Parmar is the only Gujarati in the Indian team for the World Cup beginning here from October 7, then you are mistaken. There is another 'Gujarati' in the team whose name is Sandeep Narwal.
Even though Sandeep's journey as a kabaddi player began in Kathura village (Sonipat) about eight years ago under the guidance of his uncle Jagdish Narwal (member of India's 2002 Asian Games team), it was his selection at Sports Authority of India (SAI), Gandhinagar in 2010 that changed the fortunes of this 23-year-old.
"My uncle taught me how to play, but in our village I played only on mud and my game was single-dimensional. I stepped onto the mat for the first time at the Gandhinagar campus," Sandeep, who played for Telugu Titans in the PKL this season, said.
"I won the best defender award in my first junior nationals in 2011. But Sharma (Jaivir) sir successfully added variations to my game and converted me into an all-rounder. At the 2014 nationals I made my mark as an all-rounder playing in the right corner. Like a magician, Sharma sir turned it around for me in just a few years," Sandeep said with a grin.
Talking about his Gujarat connection, the Haryana lad says after living here for six years, he understands a bit of Gujarati, likes local delicacies and even bought his first car in Ahmedabad.
"I purchased my car during the national camp which was held in Gandhinagar in August. I, along with my mates, drove it down to my village. SAI Gandinagar has been my home since 2010 and I shall return to my alma mater after the World Cup, along with my car, of course," said Sandeep before busting into laughter.
Sandeep is now ready to teach his 11-year-old nephew Sahil the finer points of kabaddi. "In my family, me and Sahil are the only kabaddi players right now. Both of us want to play for our country. I have accomplished the feat and will help him follow suit," Narwal said.