Raider for Dabang Delhi K.C. Naveen Kumar spoke about being called Naveen Express before of Pro Kabaddi League season 11, claiming that the moniker was given to him by his supporters.

Naveen Kumar missed the majority of the previous season, in which he played only six games, due to ailments that he has had in the past. Similar to Ashu Malik, who had a rotator cuff rupture a few years back, Dabang Delhi K.C.’s success in the 2024 edition would undoubtedly depend on keeping both him and Naveen Kumar healthy.

Speaking during the ‘Kings of Kabaddi’ episode, the raider revealed that Naveen Express was the most popular suggestion out of three or four submitted by the people.

“Actually, supporters gave me the moniker Naveen Express. My management proposed and requested that I be given a moniker on social media, just as each player in the PKL was given one. Three or four alternatives were available. “Naveen Express was the most well-liked choice,” Naveen said in a Star Sports interview.

The 24-year-old went on to discuss his experience so far in the sport.

“I was not excellent at studying and in the fifth grade. I learned about some activities taking place in my area via a government program. I took part in the event without attending school, and I finished the match with 19 points. I was informed after passing that I would have to play Kabaddi and that the government would provide me money for my diet. My grandpa made sure I would play Kabaddi every day and asked my coach not to hit me during the practice match. This is how Kabaddi continued to pique my curiosity,” the raider said.

Finally, Naveen wrapped off by talking about his first season and the mixed emotions he was feeling.

“Every moment is remembered by me. Cameras and lighting were present. We were both excited and anxious about how we would do in the match. 2018 saw the beginning of our first leg in Chennai. Gujarat was the opponent in our first game. Along with Sachin, Sunil, and Parvesh, we made a strong team. I had faith in my ability to do successfully. I got a chance from the coach. I had everyone’s support. All the seniors were with me. You’ll succeed, Naveen, they said. In the camp, you performed well,” the 24-year-old said.

“I had never seen such a large crowd when I made my entrance. I felt uneasy. I had no idea what was about to take place. After the match, I received six points. It occurs that sometimes I receive a number and other times I get an out. I reached a point when my confidence increased. Against Puneri Paltan, I performed better. I achieved a super 10 versus the Bengal Warriors in our third game. Yes, you’ll succeed, the coach assured her. “I had faith in my ability to perform well,” the Dabang Delhi K.C said.

With players like Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik making an unstoppable assault combo, Delhi K.C. surely has one of the best raiding teams in the PKL. With 276 raid points at the end of Season 10, Ashu Malik shared the league’s top scorer position. Naveen Kumar, the two-time MVP, is sixth on the all-time list of PKL raid points (1005).

While Dabang Delhi K.C. can be sure that they have enough of firepower and depth in attack, in the unlikely event that one of their star raiders has a bad day, Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik are anticipated to wreak havoc on opponent defenders.