No Scope in Kabaddi When I Started: Monu Goyat, PKL’s Highest Bid

In a candid chat, Monu Goyat spoke about becoming PKL’s highest-ever bid, his initial brush with kabaddi and more.

Monu Goyat became the highest paid player in Pro Kabaddi League history.

(Photo: Erum Gour/The Quint)

Monu Goyat's first brush with kabaddi was like most other Indian kids. He was introduced to it in school and gradually started playing with the kids in the locality. Little did he know then that one day he would be paid Rs 1.51 crore to play the sport.

The 25-year-old from Kungar, a small village in Bhiwani district of Haryana, was bagged by Haryana Steelers for a record-breaking amount at the Pro Kabaddi League auction this year, becoming the highest paid player in the tournament’s history.

When I initially started playing, there wasn’t much scope in kabaddi. However, one would get a job. Besides, one could also look forward to playing the Asian Games and World Cup.

Monu Goyat to <b>The Quint</b>

But there was another motivating factor for him to play the sport.

I used to see my uncle (Vijender Singh) play, he was a great kabaddi player at the time. My family was also very encouraging, and so I wanted to become like my uncle and gain the same repute that he had of being a good kabaddi player.

Monu Goyat

In fact, Goyat first got to participate in PKL only in it’s fourth edition. After not getting a go ahead from his employers – the Services – he was forced to sit out of the first three seasons.

But that never demotivated me.

I never stopped wanting to play in the league. I knew if I kept practicing and working hard, I would be able to participate for sure.

Monu Goyat

Goyat is now not only the most expensive player in PKL history, but has also trumped international athletes like wrestler Sushil Kumar and Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri to become the most valuable non-cricketing sportsperson in India.

(Photo Courtesy: Pro Kabaddi League)

In his maiden PKL season, Goyat was among the top 15 raiders in the league. But the fifth edition was a breakthrough year. His raids, along with Pardeep Narwal, remained the talk of the season and together they led their team – Patna Pirates – to the PKL 2017 title, their third in a row, with 560 raid points. He alone scored 191 raid point in 26 games – the fourth highest in the edition.

But playing for Haryana Steelers this year, Goyat knows he needs to step up.

I’m the primary raider of my team now, so the responsibility has definitely increased this season.

Monu Goyat

The 25-year-old said he had expected his bid to touch the crore mark this year, but for it to reach Rs 1.51 crore was unexpected. Currently at the national camp in Sonepat, he watched the broadcast live with his India teammates.

And what’s he planning to do with all that money?

As long as the game is there, more money will also come. Now that Haryana Steelers have bagged me for such a big amount, I want to do well and take the team to the finals.

Monu Goyat