Aanil Mohan: From Sleep to Stardom

Hailing from a small Himachal Pradesh village, Aanil Mohan defied expectations as he entered Pro Kabaddi League history with a record INR 78 lakh bid. His journey, marked by resilience and familial support, reflects aspirations of small-town athletes believing in the impossible.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 01-07-2025 13:12 IST | Created: 01-07-2025 13:12 IST
Aanil Mohan: From Sleep to Stardom
Aanil Mohan (Photo: PKL). Image Credit: ANI
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Aanil Mohan's world transformed overnight when a phone call informed him of a groundbreaking opportunity. While asleep, U Mumba secured his talent for INR 78 lakhs, setting a new record for Category D in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history. Waking up to this reality was surreal for the young athlete from Jasui village in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district.

Recalling this life-changing moment, Aanil expressed disbelief, a sentiment echoed in the sport of kabaddi where Haryana traditionally grabs the spotlight. Aanil's narrative is different - it's about transcending geographic confines. His kabaddi passion ignited on village grounds, mentored by a dedicated coach during his 10th grade.

The turning point was his bold move to Haryana, the kabaddi epicenter, under coach Ashan Kumar. Years of skill refinement led him to play for Himachal Pradesh in national selections. Despite this success, Aanil couldn't anticipate the fierce Pro Kabaddi League auction battle for his signature. Upon waking, he immediately reached out to his family, reminiscing the foundational support that brought him to this milestone.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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