New Delhi

The Pro Kabaddi League has helped popularize the game across the globe. South Korean player Dong Jeon Lee who is playing for the Adani Gujarat Giants in season 9 is a great example of this.

A fan of basketball, Lee is hopeful that his stint here will help him realise his dream of playing for the national team and take part in the Asian games.

“I began playing in my university days. There weren’t many players back then, may be only 50,” says Lee.

But with the increasing popularity of the game in South Korea he is hoping more of his compatriots join him in the PKL.

“Talent and passion are important at the professional level. After playing in the PKL with the Gujarat Giants, I hope more Korean players come to play here,” he adds.

He is enjoying his stint with the Giants team and is utilizing his time to learn from the experienced coach of the team Ram Mehar Singh.

Lee first came to India in 2017. He says Kabaddi may not be the most popular sport in his home country but players like Ajay Thakur and Pawan Sherawat are well-known names.

Inspired by the legendary Michael Jordan, Lee says playing in India without knowing much about the local language is not an issue. “Kabaddi is all about listening to the coach and executing his plans. I don’t have a problem with the language. I am learning Hindi,” he says.

ALSO READ: 35 athletes conferred Arjuna Award

Lee will next feature in the Adani Gujarat Giants tie against the UP Yoddhas on November 21.