Big jump for Goyat, bigger for the sport he plays

Vinayak Padmadeo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, june 1

Monu Goyat is not going to forget the last two days anytime soon. Haryana Steelers shelled out Rs 1.51 crore for him in the two-day Pro Kabaddi League auction, making him the most expensive player ever in the league. “I never thought I will fetch Rs 1.51 crore, though I thought I will be close to Rs 1-crore mark. But to become league’s most expensive player is wonderful, I am very happy,” said an elated Goyat.

Along with Goyat, the entire kabaddi fraternity must be celebrating. After all, it’s the first time kabaddi players have breached the Rs 1 crore barrier — as many as six players commanded a bid in excess of Rs 1 crore at the auction. For a sport that has just begun to draw big money and eyeballs, it’s a fantastic news.

Besides encouraging many more youngsters to take up kabaddi, the money will change the lives of the players and their families. “I am not from a rich family. I come from a humble background, so this money will help us tide over a few problems. Ghar ke halat ab theek honge,” said Goyat, who comes from a family of farmers from a small village, Kungar, in Haryana’s Bhiwani district.

Standout performer

Goyat was one of the standout performers for Patna Pirates in their last season’s title run but was not retained. Given how things panned out in the auction, the franchisee’s decision not to retain him turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him. Having done well in the last two seasons in PKL and for Services, this Army Havildar had a feeling that the teams would be keen to shell out big money for his services. And he wasn’t wrong! “My performance had been good in the last two years, be it in the league or for Services. So I was kind of expecting good money, but certainly not what I got,” Goyat said.

The 24-year-old raider understands the franchisee’s expectations from him are going to be huge.  “Now I have to justify the money Haryana spent for me. So, yes, there’s going to be some performance pressure. But I’ve done well in the past, and I don’t see any reason why I can’t keep doing it with my new team,” he said. Currently, Goyat is part of the national camp for the Asian Games at Sonepat. He’s yet to make his India debut. But given how things are going for him at the domestic stage, it shouldn’t take him long to wear the India jersey.