Farmer's son scooped up for Rs 12.6 lakh in Pro Kabaddi League

Like most youngsters his age Deepak Nivas (20), a farmer's son from Rohtak, Haryana dreamt of zipping around on a motorcycle. Life put a sudden brake on his dreams, as he lost his father Ram eight months ago.

The responsibility of the house fell on his shoulders. That resulted in him discontinuing his studies and taking care of the small farm his father left behind.

Deepak Nivas

Yesterday, when he learned that he had earned a contract of Rs 12.60 lakh in the inaugural edition of the Pro Kabaddi League player auctions, he became emotional.

His name is the second highest buy behind his idol, Rakesh Kumar, 2007 World Cup Gold Medallist who was bought buy the Patna team for Rs 12.80 lakh. Deepak, who is a raider, will showcase his skills for the Telugu Titans franchise in the tournament to be held from, July 26 till August 31.

Deepak says from Bangalore where he is attending a national camp, "I lost my mother when I was three and it is my elder sister Poonam who is a mother figure to me. It's been a year that my sister who is going through a marital problem stays with me. Her two children also stay with me. My father too passed away last September.

The Kabaddi League has given me not just a financial boost but a new ray of hope. I never expected that I would get such a huge bid. For now, my aim is to save enough for the future. The first thing I want to buy from the money I get is a motorcycle. The rest I will give to my sister."

Telugu Titans owner, Srinivas Sreeramaneni said, "Our strategy was simple. While other franchise owners went for big names, we believed in giving a chance to a youngster."

National kabaddi coach Uday Kumar who is also the coach for Titans said, "Deepak comes from a humble background and that shows in his game. He works hard and unlike other players he is very focused. He is an asset to our team."