An ecstatic Abhishek Bachchan gifts 10-member kabaddi team and coach, a smartphone each
After his team, the Jaipur Pink Panthers' victory over the Mumbai team on August 31, Abhishek Bachchan gave each of them (coach Kasinathan Baskaran included) a smartphone.
"It was just a small gesture...", says Abhi, "The team has given me so much in this entire tournament. I was ecstatic - over the moon when we won! Because they played together as one team we have achieved a lot more. I have been inspired by their skill and enthusiasm. I am excited for the next season (March, 2015). Initially, the Pro Kabaddi League was to be an annual event, but the process is on to make it a twice-a-year event."
The actor was a major source of inspiration for the Panthers - cheering his team on at every single match. "One of my philosophies in life is - you can either be a boss or a leader. A boss is somebody who will instruct you on what to achieve and how while a leader will get down on the field with you and play as dirty as his team. I was with my team right from the beginning when they started training. I have played with the boys and have been available for them at all times. My team had to feel that Abhishek is there with us all the way."
Adds Junior B, "Coming into the finals, I was anxious, but not nervous. Somewhere deep down, I believed our boys and their teamwork. We weren't strong on paper, but the kind of dedication and spirit they showed, was fantastic. That give me much strength, courage and confidence. The way they played together, they outdid all the other teams"
A tight hug for wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and a party for all the teams followed the Panther's win, but Abhishek had to cut short the festivities to attend an inter-religious football match in Rome.
WASN'T ME!
Many feel AB Jr is one of the reasons kabaddi has become so big in India today. "My contribution is neglible. The sport itself, is so exciting to watch that to say it is because of me, is running it down! It's the players that make every sport thrilling to watch. I have just brought it to the table as I felt strongly about kabaddi and I have a passion for sports."
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