Pune, Dec 7 (IANS): His passion fuelled by a support system made of family, friends, and community who believed in his potential, M. Sudhakar has crossed numerous hurdles as he rose from the hinterland in Tamil Nadu to stardom in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 as a star player for former winners Patna Pirates.

He played a big role in his team's surge into the semifinals last year and is doing well this year too.

His dream began in a nondescript village in rural Tamil Nadu, not in a grand stadium but amid the passionate cheers of family members playing kabaddi. M. Sudhakar's story is a testament to how determination, hard work and the power of unwavering support and fuel a dream and help achieve success.

“From an early age, I saw my father and brothers playing kabaddi,” the young star from Palayanallur recalls with nostalgia in the ‘Rise of a Star’ video. “I knew then that I wanted to make something of myself in this sport.”

However, the road was far from easy. Coming from a background where survival often meant working from a young age, Sudhakar's journey was marked by challenges. “It was incredibly difficult,” he admits. But what set him apart was an extraordinary support system comprising of his family, friends, and community who believed in his potential.

“Whenever I went somewhere, people would ask me to tell my story,” he says. “My father would be so proud, telling everyone about my achievements.” Those moments of recognition meant everything to a young man who once wondered if his dreams were too big.

His breakthrough came with the Pro Kabaddi League, where he didn't just play – he made a statement. In his first season, he stunned audiences, becoming a player who could turn the tide of a match with his extraordinary skills. “I became someone who could protect my team's honour,” he says proudly.

In 19 matches, he scored 105 points, with three Super 10s as well. This was crucial to his team’s run to the semifinal in Season 10.

The most touching aspect of Sudhakar's journey is his humility. Despite becoming a national-level athlete, he remains connected to his roots. “I want the small children in my village to know that dreams are possible,” he shares. “If I can do it, so can they,” he says in the video.

For Sudhakar, kabaddi was never just a sport. It was a pathway to success, a bridge between his modest beginning and a future filled with possibilities. His story is a powerful message: that passion, hard work, and belief can help one conquer the most challenging circumstances.

From an unknown village to becoming a kabaddi superstar, M. Sudhakar's journey proves that true champions are not born – they are made, one passionate raid at a time.