In an exclusive conversation with Aditya Mallick of News24, Haryana Steelers’ captain and stalwart Jaideep Dahiya opens up about his fitness transformation, the mental side of kabaddi, the team’s vibrant locker room atmosphere, plans for the upcoming season of Pro Kabaddi League 2025 and his dream of seeing John Abraham portray his journey on the big screen.
Jaideep Dahiya Interview
Jaideep, you’ve consistently been one of the top defenders in the league. What’s changed in your training or mindset this season compared to the last?
- Last year, because of an injury, my game was a little down. I could feel it myself on the mat, that I wasn’t 100% fit. But this time, I’ve done rehab properly, trained harder, and prepared myself in every way. My mindset is also different now it’s fully positive. This season, we will definitely play better than last season, and the focus is to win the trophy again.
Kabaddi is as much a mental game as a physical one. How do you read a raider’s mind in those few crucial seconds?
- We face these raiders everywhere in nationals, in local tournaments, and in the Pro Kabaddi League, over a period of time, you start understanding their skills and habits.For example, after every two raids, some go forward, some kick back, some change direction. So, in those few seconds, we already set our mindset that this time he will come here. To stop him, we have to be a step ahead and faster than him. Only then can we tackle him.
Haryana Steelers have a young squad with great energy. How would you describe the team’s vibe in the locker room this season?
- Look, this year our team has both experience and energy. We have strong defenders and very talented players all around. Everyone supports each other, and the spirit is high.
- From my point of view, when I look at the team, I see us among the top 3 teams this season.
Who’s the prankster of the team, and who’s the most serious? Be honest!
- Honestly, no one is too serious in our team. Everyone enjoys, everyone has fun. But if you ask me, I think I’m the one who has the most fun – I like to keep the mood light.
What does Jaideep Dahiya do when he’s not tackling raiders on the mat? Any secret hobbies or talents fans don’t know about?
- This is my little secret talent. Off the mat, I like to play, I like to make people laugh, and I can tell jokes all the time. I can never be shy. I always try to keep people smiling around me.
If there were a Bollywood biopic made on your journey, who would you want to play you on screen?
- My favorite actor has always been John Abraham. Because he has a strong body, and since childhood, I dreamt of having a body like him. I used to think – one day I’ll have a body like John. That’s why, if there’s a movie on me, I’d like John to play me.
If you could go back and give advice to the younger Jaideep just starting out in kabaddi, what would you say?
- If I met the younger Jaideep, honestly, I wouldn’t change much. He worked hard, he played with passion, and that made him who he is today.I would just tell him keep doing what you’re doing, stay disciplined, and enjoy the game. Everything was good back then, and everything will be good if you keep that attitude.
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