Pune: World Cup winning India captain Anup Kumar, who boasts of two Asian Games gold medals, was on Saturday named Head Coach of Puneri Paltan team for the upcoming Season 7 of the Vivo Pro Kabaddi League.

The former India captain better known as ‘Bonus ka Badshah’, retired as a player at the end of the Season 6 and has now decided to turn the tables and step onto the other side of the mat, as a coach.

After making his international debut at the 2006 South Asian Games, Anup was part of the team that won gold medal and then he captained India to win the gold medal in 2010 Guangzhou and 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

“Kabaddi is my first love and I have given everything to the sport. As a coach, this will be my first stint and I will concentrate on improving our team’s skills, fitness and presence of mind on the mat. I am looking forward to working with Puneri Paltan, as a coach, in PKL Season 7,” said Anup, who was conferred with the Arjuna Award in the year 2012.

With just two days remaining for the players’ auction for Season 7 to be held in Mumbai, it will be interesting to see Anup’s inputs in making up the Puneri Paltan team.

Speaking on the appointment of the new coach, CEO of Puneri Paltan Kailash Kandpal said, “Anup is vastly experienced in the PKL format and known for his cool and calm composure. We are banking on his expertise to implement new tactics this season for our team.”