When TN played a role in India’s World Cup win

It is sometimes a pity that kabaddi, the state game of Tamil Nadu, hasn't been in the fore as players, critics and protagonists would have loved to. The state doesn't have a team in the glitzy Pro-kabaddi League and national level tournaments are on the steep decline in the state. However, in Dharmaraj Cheralathan, there is a ray of hope to see Tamil Nadu on the kabaddi map in the country.  

At 42, Cheralathan is no match for youngsters but his rich experience is invaluable to the country's fortunes in the global scene. The Thanjavur district player can give the younger players a run for their money in terms of fitness and exposure. Afterall, Cheralathan has been playing the sport for two decades now. 

In the World Cup final against Iran, Cheralathan was actively involved in strategising. 

“I was a substitute and I had to keep up the spirits of the team when we were trailing. We decided to pull off a defender and get in a raider at half-time as I felt we needed raid points more than defensive points and the plot worked like a charm,” Cheralathan said. 

It was Ajay Thakur who almost single-handedly turned the tide in India’s favour with stupendous raids and the Tamil Nadu man had some good words for his team mate. “Ajay has a good advantage with his height and weight. He plays for Himachal and his experience is immense in handling pressure. A dedicated player and a total team man is what I would describe Ajay as,” Cheralathan added.  

Cheralathan, who plays for Indian Railways, Patna Pirates, Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls, said there are a lot of changes the sport has undergone and is waiting for an opportunity to give it back to the sport. “The speed of the game has reduced considerably. However the fitness and practice levels have improved. 

The passion has come down a bit but that wouldn't deter me from working for the development of the sport in the state. I would love to produce players by opening an academy or a club and guide the younger players. It was something that I missed and I wouldn't want budding players’ talents to be lost due to guidance issues,” the 42-year-old added. 

For Cheralathan, age is no barrier. “I have the passion for the game and I am hopeful of making useful contributions for the team,” he signed off.