Pardeep Narwal reveals his fitness secret; the PKL star cannot perform post-transfer to UP Yoddha

Pardeep was the sole saviour of the struggling Patna Pirates, but he collapsed under pressure that mounted on him following his grand transfer to UP Yoddha in PKL 8. During his previous spell, he scored 304 points, but the Pirates couldn't reach the play-offs and finished eighth. Pardeep became the first kabaddi player to secure 1200 points in PKL's history earlier in the season but has only managed 104 from 211 raids in 15 matches. 

Reputed to be the undisputed king of the mat, Pardeep is now only a shadow of his former self in the eighth season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 8). Sold the 25-year-old to UP Yoddha for a record-breaking fee of INR 1.65 crores, and no other player has ever been valued as high. His trademark move with unmatched control and expertise over the dubki, a common escape manoeuvre popularised by Pardeep. The raider must duck below a chain of defenders and then launch himself back to his feet. Pardeep's skill earned him the title "the Dubki King", but the move has failed him in PKL-8. Despite his failures, Pardeep Narwal is known in the Kabaddi community as the "Record Breaker."

Pardeep Narwal reveals his mantra on fitness and diet

In an interview with GQ India in May, Pardeep Narwal stressed the importance of fitness for kabaddi. He has been playing the sport since he was a kid, and speaking from experience; he remarked that the sport demands a lot of physical and mental power. His coaches had always advised him to follow a strict fitness and food regime throughout the year to ensure his form stays intact. They also participate in a two-month camp session throughout the league as a prerequisite to entering the season, hoping to maintain fitness and uncover newer abilities and tactics. 

The sport operates on quick footwork, speed, agility, and strength. These traits are necessary for a raider or defender to succeed, as stated by Pardeep. As a big name in kabaddi, he focuses on different aspects of fitness, including strength, speed, and flexibility. However, he still works upon his agility, power, and mental alertness the most. So his workout includes practice push-ups, belly crunches, and leg squats. 

His training program was designed to increase physical strength and mental toughness. Although he doesn't follow a strict timetable, he indulges in running, swimming, stretching, core strength training and sprints that target his stamina and strength. He prefers home-cooked meals, but he needs to consume a mix of proteins and carbs. He has a well-balanced diet plan that includes the occasional cheat day, but nothing the Indian star is unapologetically partial to his mother's cooking.