Mighty Manjeet Chhillar: PKL’s phenomenal all-rounder
Known as ‘One Man Army’ who could single-handedly take down an entire opposition Manjeet Chhilar is arguably one of the greatest all-rounders of Indian Kabaddi team. He is also the most successful all-rounders of Pro Kabaddi League. Wrestler-turned Kabaddi player Manjeet has numerous records to his name.
Manjeet started his career as a wrestler but then decided to play Kabaddi due to an injury that curtailed his hopes of wrestling. He hails from Nizampur, that is known for producing many Kabaddi players. Manjeet was picked by Bengaluru Bulls in season 1. He scored 71 raid points and 51 tackle points from 16 matches. He was the ‘Best Defender’ of that season.
Manjeet was the Season 2 ‘Most Valuable Player’ for his all-round performance where he picked up 40 tackle points and 67 raid points in 16 matches played for Bengaluru Bulls. It was his courtesy that Bengaluru was into the finals where he scored 11 points. But his efforts went in vain as Bulls lost the finals.
In season 3, Manjeet was signed by Puneri Paltan and was ‘Best Defender of the Season’ with 61 tackle points. He also scored 45 raid points from 15 matches. Puneri Paltan lost to Patna Pirates in the semifinals and had to satisfy with the 3rd position the league.
It was the same story in season 4 of PKL where Puneri Paltan again got defeated by Patna and stood 3rd in the league. Due to an injury, Manjeet had to miss-out on some matches in that season. He was successful in scoring 45 raid points and 44 tackle points from 12 matches in that season.
With a bid of 75.5 Lakh, Manjeet became the 3rd most expensive player in season 5. Manjeet did not perform up to the expectations as injury again hit the path and he was out from the team for quite some time. He could manage to score only 5 raid points and 47 tackle points from 15 matches. It was a disappointing season for him.
Manjeet was captain in all 5 seasons of PKL. He has been in playoffs in every season except season 5, where Jaipur Pink Panthers were at 5th position at the points table.
Manjeet has most tackle points (243) to his name in the history of PKL. He is also tied as the player with the most High 5s (19) in the league along with Surender Nada of Haryana Steelers.
Manjeet is famous for his blocks and dashes in defense. It has always proved to be beneficial for Manjeet to raid when opposition has only 2 or 3 defenders on their side. His success rate in those situations is very high and he mostly returns with inflicting all-out on the opposition.
Manjeet is a two time Asian Games Gold Medalist in 2010 and 2014. He has also won gold at the Asian Indoor games in 2009. He claimed bronze at the 2012 Asian beach games. Manjeet was also part of the Indian team that won Kabaddi World Cup in 2016 and Kabaddi Masters Tournament in 2018.
Manjeet represents Railways team at the National Championships and won the championship for the team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He received the Arjuna Award in 2015 for his remarkable achievements in the sport.
The new season of Pro Kabaddi is about to begin from 7th October 2018 in Chennai. Manjeet Chhillar will start his Pro Kabaddi League season 6 journey with Tamil Thalaivas who will be taking on Patna Pirates in front of their home crowd. Just like his fans say ‘Manjeet Chhillar-The Giant Killer’ they all will be eagerly waiting for him to set the Kabaddi mat on fire.
Manjeet Chhillar’s Pro Kabaddi League Performance:
Matches Played – 74
Raid Points – 212 Points
Super 10’s – 2
Super Raids – 5
Tackle Points – 243 Points
High 5’s – 19
Super Tackles – 8