Iranian kabaddi star Abozar Mighani has officially announced his retirement from professional kabaddi. While he has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind his decision, his departure marks the end of an illustrious career filled with remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.
A Decorated International and PKL Career
Mighani was a crucial part of Iran’s golden generation in kabaddi. He played a pivotal role in Iran’s historic gold medal victory at the 2018 Asian Games, where the team defeated India in the semifinals and South Korea in the final. That win marked a turning point in international kabaddi, as Iran became the first nation to break India’s dominance in the sport.
His success wasn’t limited to the international stage. Mighani was one of the most prominent foreign players in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Known for his robust right-corner defense, he made his PKL debut in Season 5 (2017)with Gujarat Giants, forming a formidable partnership with compatriot Fazel Atrachali. His aggressive tackling, dashes, and ankle holds quickly made him a fan favorite.
Over the years, he played for multiple PKL franchises, including:
- Gujarat Giants (Season 5 & 6) – Helped them reach two consecutive PKL finals.
- Telugu Titans (Season 7 & 8) – Became one of their defensive mainstays.
- Bengal Warriors (Season 9) – Continued to showcase his experience.
- Gujarat Giants (Season 10) – Returned to his debut franchise, bringing leadership and mentorship to the squad.
What Led to His Retirement?
While Mighani has not explicitly stated his reasons, several factors could have influenced his decision:
- Age and Fitness – At age 34, maintaining peak fitness in a physically demanding sport like kabaddi becomes increasingly challenging.
- Injury Concerns – Though no major injuries were publicly reported, repeated strains and physical tolls could have played a role.
- Limited Opportunities in PKL – In recent PKL seasons, younger Indian defenders have dominated, reducing opportunities for international players.
- New Career Paths – Many retired players transition into coaching, mentoring, or even sports management roles.
A Lasting Legacy
Abozar Mighani will be remembered as one of Iran’s finest kabaddi defenders, helping elevate the country to a global powerhouse. His fearless playing style and leadership made a lasting impact on the sport. Fans will now be eager to see whether he takes up a coaching or mentoring role in PKL or the Iranian kabaddi setup.
For now, the kabaddi world bids farewell to a legend who has left an indelible mark on the game.
