The statistics will tell you that Fazel Atrachali became the first player to complete 200 matches in Pro Kabaddi League history on Tuesday night. The record books will note his four points and the crucial Super Raid in the tie-breaker that helped Dabang Delhi edge past Haryana Steelers. But numbers alone cannot capture what this milestone truly meant, nor can they explain the depth of emotion that filled the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
"I don't believe that he is just a player. I believe that he is my own brother, he is my child," the Dabang Delhi coach said, his words heavy with emotion as he spoke about his star defender. "We live like a family – Fazel, myself, and the entire team. He has such good habits that I can't express
in words. He is such a good person," he continued.
200 matches – I never thought that this day would happen" Fazel Atrachali reacts
When Fazel Atrachali reflected on his historic achievement, there was no triumphant boast, no chest-thumping celebration. Instead, there was humility that could only come from someone who has truly walked the path. "200 matches – I never thought that this day would happen when I started in season 2," Fazel said. "I came here and nobody believed in me. I was just looking to play one match. But now I am sitting here talking after 200 matches," he further added.
Fazel Atrachali's legacy isn't just about being the first to 200 matches. It's about how he reached that milestone. It's in the way his coach speaks of him not as a player, but as family. It's in the humility he shows despite being a living legend. It's in the discipline he maintains, the guidance he provides to younger players, and the respect he commands simply by being himself.
Narwal's description of the first time they worked together speaks volumes: "He was a legend when he came to me, but he listened, he followed instructions, and he guided others. That's what makes him special."
(With Inputs from Press Release)
