Bengaluru Bulls will take on Puneri Paltan in the second match of the opening day this Friday, and that means only one thing: a jaw-dropping spectacle rivalry showdown. Former teammates Aslam Inamdar and Akash Shinde face off from opposite corners of the mat.
Aslam, who is making a strong comeback from injury, will lead Puneri Paltan as captain. Meanwhile, Akash, now with Bengaluru Bulls, is determined to make his mark with his new side.
[Trending] Friendship Off the Mat, Rivalry On It
The 12th edition of The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to feature a highly anticipated rivalry clash on its opening night, showcasing former teammates Aslam Inamdar and Akash Shinde facing off on opposing teams.
The duo were teammates for Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League. They played together for several seasons before Akash joined Bengaluru Bulls before PKL Season 12.
And it brings a unique thrill to the game when former teammates face off as rivals on different teams.
During an Instagram Live session with Pro Kabaddi, both stars opened up: rivals on the mat, but friends beyond it. Akash put it succinctly:
“We’ve worn the same colors for years. Now, we’re opponents giving everything. The thrill lies in that tension — aggression met with aggression.”
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Aslam echoed the sentiment:
“Coming back after injury, this match means everything — facing Akash, playing in a new city, thousands watching. Off the mat, friendship endures. But on the mat, we’re warriors ready to clash.”
Captain Aslam Inamdar, who has just bounced back from injury, is just as pumped. “I’ve waited a long time to get back on the mat. The opening match is special, it’s against Akash, in a new city, with thousands of kabaddi fans watching. The energy is going to be unreal,” he said.
Aslam emphasized: “Friendship lasts off the mat. But on the mat, we’re warriors. Fans should be ready for a proper clash.”
[Report] Key Details and Match Overview
Fans can expect a jaw-dropping showdown filled with fierce competition. Presenting everything you need to know about this opening night spectacle.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | PKL Season 12 Opening Night Match |
| Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Venue | Visakhapatnam (Vizag) |
| Teams | Puneri Paltan vs Bengaluru Bulls |
| Players of Interest | Aslam Inamdar (Puneri Paltan – Captain) |
| Akash Shinde (Bengaluru Bulls) | |
| History | Former teammates in Puneri Paltan |
| Rivalry | Fierce on mat but maintain friendship off mat |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network & JioHotstar |
| Match Significance | High-energy, intense rivalry with mutual respect |
| Season Duration | August 29 – October 23, 2025 |
| Other Cities | Jaipur, Chennai, New Delhi |
Jyoti Sharma POV
Just hearing about the battle between two former teammates has me excited. I can only imagine how electric the atmosphere will be when their fierce rivalry plays out live on the mat.
And after catching their Instagram Live, I’m rooting for their bond to last a lifetime; their friendship comes across as real and unbreakable.
