As the Pro Kabaddi League gears up for its highly anticipated Season 12 opener, coaches across franchises are approaching the new campaign with confidence, fresh perspectives, and a renewed focus on team-building and adaptability. The league kicks off on August 29 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag, where hosts Telugu Titans face Tamil Thalaivas in a much-awaited clash.

Despite opening the season away from home, Tamil Thalaivas head coach Sanjeev Balyan remained composed during a virtual media interaction, brushing aside any talk of pressure. “Every coach wants to win, and we want that too. Both teams are good – Telugu Titans is good but we are good too. We`ll see who starts well, who wins. There`s no pressure because there is no pressure. When playing on the mat, you don`t even know what the public is saying. Pressure comes only from winning,” Balyan said, exuding calm assurance.

Over at Patna Pirates, head coach Anup Kumar addressed the franchise’s glorious past while keeping focus on the present. “Legacy has been good for Patna Pirates, but legacy doesn`t stay with one team forever, as far as I think. Players keep changing. When Patna won three consecutive seasons, the team was different, coaches were different. It was the same when they played the final twice. This season is a new season...The effort is what all coaches want - that the start should be good, and the effort is to do what Patna Pirates couldn`t achieve last season."