I can jump six feet when I raid, that's why I am known as 'Hi-Flyer': Pawan Sehrawat

Pawan Sehrawat's ability to soar over defenders during raids has earned him the nickname 'Hi-Flyer', a tag the Indian kabaddi star says stems from his remarkable six-foot vertical jumps.

Sehrawat explained the origin of his nickname after helping India begin its Asian Games campaign with a 49-24 win over Japan in a men's Group A match at Tokai near here on Monday.

"They call me the 'Hi-Flyer' because when I raid I can jump very high, about six feet. People saw the way I could fly over the defenders and that is how the name came," he said.

The 29-year-old is one of the biggest names in Indian kabaddi and became the most expensive player in Pro Kabaddi League history when he was bought for Rs 2.6 crore in the 2023 edition.

He also holds the record for the most raid points scored by a player in a single PKL match, with 39.

But Sehrawat said there was a time when he had no idea how far his career would take him.

"When I started, I had no idea that I would become a top player. I did not know how far I could go. I just kept working hard and training, and that is how I became the player I am," he said.

Now, his focus is on helping India retain the Asian Games gold medal it won in the previous edition.

"We won the gold medal at the last Asian Games, and winning gold for the country was very important. We want to continue that success here in Nagoya," Sehrawat said.

He also spoke about the popularity of kabaddi in India and its accessibility to new audiences.

"Kabaddi is very popular in India. It is an easy game to understand. Once you know the rules, you can follow it easily," he said.

For Sehrawat, these Asian Games have already brought another memorable moment. He was one of India's flag bearers at the opening ceremony, alongside ace shooter Manu Bhaker.

"It was a very proud moment for me and for kabaddi. To have a kabaddi athlete carrying the national flag is a big thing for our sport," he said.

Sehrawat hopes the recognition can help give kabaddi greater visibility as the sport seeks a place on bigger international stages.

"I hope it can also help kabaddi in the future and give the sport more strength as we look towards the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games," he said.

"For our team, it is also motivating to see a kabaddi player representing the country in that way," he added.