U Mumba has appointed Rakesh Kumar as their new head coach for the 2025 Pro Kabbadi League (PKL) season. The three-time Asian Game gold medalist and former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team returns to the franchise after nearly a decade.
He previously played for U Mumba in PKL seasons 4 and 5 and is now expected to bring his leadership and experience to the strength of the team.
Rakesh, an Arjuna Award winner, was one of the most dominant allrounders in PKL history. He was also the highest-paid player in the league’s first season when Patna Pirates signed him.
He has coaching experience with Haryana Steelers in PKL season 7, and also mentored the Indian Railways Kabaddi team.
Now, he is ready to take on a new challenge with U Mumba, aiming to regain their winning form.
CEO Suhail Chandhok’s Statement on Rakesh’s Appointment
U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok shared his excitement about Rakesh Kumar returning as head coach. He said that he is happy to welcome Rakesh back in his new role and believes this is an exciting moment for both the team and Rakesh.
“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Rakesh back, this time as a Head Coach. It’s going to be a very exciting phase, not just for us but for him as well. His respect among the players is unparalleled, I know he’s got very big goals as a Coach, and we share the same drive to take the team forward into this fresh chapter”, he said.
The franchise is promoting Rakesh’s comeback with the #Se7enIsBack campaign, taking the helm from the Iranian coach, Gholamreza Mazandarani, who took U Mumba to their first playoff in three years.
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Rakesh Kumar’s Thoughts on His Return As a Coach
Rakesh Kumar expressed his excitement about returning to U Mumba as head coach. He said that he feels happy to be back after a long time.
“I am pleased with my homecoming to U Mumba after such a long time. I used to wear the Mumba colors as a player, and now, I have the responsibility of coaching the side. I hope that in the upcoming season, we build a strong squad and get the team back into the same rhythm it had in the first three seasons. We will work hard to achieve this. I am grateful to be back.” he said.
From the mat to the sidelines, the 41-year-old is a decorated Kabaddi player with acumen and fresh tactics that will bring a game-winning approach to team-building strategies.
U Mumba’s Recent Performance and Future Goals
In PKL season 11, U Mumba finished fifth in the league standings before losing to Patna Pirates in Eliminator 2. The team last won its PKL title back in 2015.
Moreover, they have reached the playoffs a few times but have struggled to regain their dominance in recent years.
Under Rakesh Kumar’s leadership, U Mumba plans to:
- Build a strong and balanced squad with both experienced players and young talent.
- Strengthen the defensive lineup under captain Sunil Kumar.
- Improve the consistent raiding unit, which has been lacking in teams in recent years.
- Bring their tactical and aggressive style of play that made them the top team in PKL at the beginning.
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