A Japanese Buddhist monk who plays kabaddi for a living, loves masala tikki and speaks “thoda-thoda Hindi” – meet Takamitsu Kono of the Pro Kabaddi League’s Puneri Paltan!
We caught up with Kono and asked him what he likes most about India and playing here. Oh, and how did a third-generation monk choose playing kabaddi as his profession?
My father is the head of Japan’s Kabaddi Association. So I knew about kabaddi from childhood. But I only started playing the sport during my university days.Takamitsu Kono
Kono laughs, “My teammates teach me a few Hindi words every now and then.”
We ask him, “Do they teach you Hindi abuses too?”
“Sometimes they do teach me bad Hindi words. And I get confused as to which Hindi words are decent and which ones are not.”
So which are the words Kono has managed to pick up?
“I know that salt is namak, and I know how to say Namaskar and Ram Ram!”
How does Kono combine being a monk with being a full-time kabaddi player?
“In the morning, I go to the temple and pray. It is after my prayers that I go for kabaddi practice. Buddhism helps me concentrate and focus during matches.”
Considering that his Indian teammates don’t speak Japanese and Kono doesn’t speak much Hindi, is the communication gap between them too much?
I speak only a little English and thoda-thoda Hindi. So yes, communication is difficult. But I read the situation and try to understand my teammates. They are very kind. My coach translates his instructions in English too so I can get along.Takamitsu Kono
Talking (Junk) Food!
If there’s one thing you should know about Kono, it’s that he is a foodie!
“I have five to six pancakes for breakfast!”
“But what’s your favourite Indian food, Kono?”
It only takes a moment’s consideration before he breaks into laughter and says, “Tikki...masala tikki!”
Does Kono cheat his diet at times?
I stick to a healthy diet. But I do love having junk food sometimes. Drink a cola, have some potato chips, I love it!Takamitsu Kono
In Japan, kabaddi is a minor sport. So we don’t have fans cheering us when we play there. But here in India, the stadiums are full and there are people cheering us on and coming to click selfies with us later! It’s very exciting to play here.
Monks are generally known for being all-renouncing. So what will Kono do with the prize money if his team Puneri Paltan wins the Pro Kabaddi League this year?
“I will give the money to my parents.”
“All the money?”
“No, I’ll give them 90% of it”, he laughs.
“What about the remaining 10%?”, we prod him.
“With the rest of it, I’ll buy a present for my girlfriend.”
The incredulity in my voice is evident. “You have a girlfriend?” I didn’t expect that when I walked in, ready to interview a monk.
“Haha yes, I do.”
Clearly, ‘Surprising’ should be Takamitsu Kono’s middle name!
Video Editor: Kunal Mehra
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