As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) prepares to kick off its landmark 12th season, three athletes who also serve in India’s armed forces took a detour from the mat to pay tribute to the nation's military history.

Naveen Kumar of Haryana Steelers (Indian Air Force), Devank Dalal of Bengal Warriorz (Indian Army), and Bharat Hooda of Telugu Titans (Indian Navy) visited the iconic INS Kursura submarine museum in Visakhapatnam.

Commissioned in 1969, INS Kursura played a pivotal role during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, bolstering India's maritime strength through active patrol duties. Decommissioned in 2001, the submarine now rests on Ramakrishna Beach, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of submariners who endured the rigours of underwater service for national defence.