Big jump for Goyat, bigger for the sport he plays

New Delhi : Monu Goyat is not going to forget the last two days anytime soon. Haryana Steelers shelled out Rs 1.51 crore for him in the two-day Pro Kabaddi League auction, making him the most expensive player ever in the league. “I never thought I will fetch Rs 1.51 crore, though I thought I will be close to Rs 1-crore mark. But to become league’s most expensive player is wonderful, I am very happy,” said an elated Goyat. Along with Goyat, the entire kabaddi fraternity must be celebrating. After all, it’s the first time kabaddi players have breached the Rs 1 crore barrier — as many as six players commanded a bid in excess of Rs 1 crore at the auction. For a sport that has just begun to draw big money and eyeballs, it’s a fantastic news.
Besides encouraging many more youngsters to take up kabaddi, the money will change the lives of the players and their families. “I am not from a rich family. I come from a humble background, so this money will help us tide over a few problems. Ghar ke halat ab theek honge,” said Goyat, who comes from a family of farmers from a small village, Kungar, in Haryana’s Bhiwani district.