KIBG 2026: How Khelo India shaped Dadaso Pujari’s career and brought him back stronger

It was homecoming of sorts for rising Maharashtra kabaddi defender Dadaso Shivaji Pujari back to where his professional journey first took shape, as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) player features in the second edition of Khelo India Beach Games at the Ghoghla Beach in Diu, representing the very ecosystem that once launched him onto the national stage.

Dadaso’s journey neatly encapsulates how the Khelo India pathway is shaping Indian kabaddi at the highest level and how that system is further enriched when players return after gaining exposure on bigger stages.

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Hailing from Kolhapur, Dadaso’s professional breakthrough came at the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula, where his standout performances earned him a spot in the Puneri Paltan set-up. He subsequently progressed through the Yuva Paltan system before featuring across three seasons in the Pro Kabaddi League, steadily building his reputation with consistent defensive performances.

For Dadaso, whose father Shivaji Pujari is a farmer, the journey carries special significance. Growing up with limited resources, he took to kabaddi at the age of 12 after watching friends play in his village. From school tournaments to representing Maharashtra and eventually securing a professional contract, each step was shaped by structured opportunities provided through the Khelo India programme.

“Whatever I am today is because of Khelo India,” Dadaso said. “The Youth Games in Panchkula opened the doors for me to the Pro Kabaddi League. Even after playing at that level, I always feel connected to Khelo India. Returning to this platform feels like coming back home.”

Known for his sharp ankle holds and strong defensive awareness, Dadaso is now embracing a fresh challenge in beach kabaddi, a format that demands a different skill set.

“Playing on sand is completely different from playing on the mat. Movement is slower, balance is tougher and every tackle requires extra effort. But these challenges help you grow as a player,” he said.

Dadaso is among several players making a return to the Khelo India stage. At the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven athletes with PKL experience are representing their respective states. Their participation highlights the depth created by the Khelo India Scheme, which has consistently supplied quality talent to the PKL.

Now, those same players are back on the national developmental platform, adding experience, quality and visibility to the Beach Games. This trend extends beyond the coastal arena. At the recently concluded Khelo India University Games in Jaipur, nearly 25 players with Pro Kabaddi League experience featured for their universities, underlining the strong link between grassroots development and professional kabaddi in India.

Dadaso believes this continuous cycle is crucial for the sport’s future. “Khelo India gives young players exposure, confidence and a clear direction. When players return after playing professionally, the level of competition automatically rises and younger athletes get inspired,” he said.