Asian Games: India to rely on Pawan Sehrawat’s Lion Jump to reclaim kabaddi crown | Asian-games News
When the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) began in 2014, it garnered levels of viewership unprecedented for any game other than cricket. The fast-paced and action-packed nature of sport, its strategic aspect, physicality and intensity appealed to both sports enthusiasts and casual viewers.
There are some moves that are jaw-dropping to watch, like India skipper Pawan Sehrawat’s Lion Jump. Sehrawat, who plays for Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL, has made the move his own and it’s probably one of the reasons why he’s become one of the best kabaddi players in the world.
After getting into the opposition territory, the raider has to return to his own side while avoiding being caught the defenders. Who would’ve thought that jumping more than five feet in the air (or sometimes even six) would be an option for evading defenders. Sehrawat has even got the nickname ‘Hi-Flyer’, precisely because of this move.
It involves jumping over the opponent and tagging them from behind, without getting caught. It’s a remarkable manoeuvre, showcasing his ability to swiftly evade defenders and secure points for their team.
Sehrawat has mastered the technique to such an extent that while executing it mid-air, he can maintain his balance while leaping over opposing defenders attempting to grab them. He uses a charging defender’s shoulders to provide the thrust and jumps over the onrushing pack.
It’s quite a daring skill in a raider’s arsenal as he first needs to check the defender’s footing. While that itself has to be done in barely a second, the more difficult part is to propel himself up with the power derived from the calf muscles.
It’s not just propelling himself over the defenders which is a skill. It’s the landing after the jump which is equally important.Most Read
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“It’s not just the core muscles that are strong when jumping,” Sehrawat said recently about his jump. “If you fall on your shoulders or arms while landing, it can hurt. So you have to pay attention to how the landing is done after the jump. The upper part of your body needs to be strong as well,” he said.
The jump not only displays Sehrawat’s agility but also demonstrates his strategic thinking and nimble decision-making, making it a game-changer in the world of kabaddi.
At the Asian Games, India will bank on skipper Sehrawat and his Lion Jump to help them regain their crown. After winning seven consecutive gold medals, India were stunned Iran in the semifinals at the last Games in Jakarta and will be motivated to set the record straight.
