Kabaddi, a sport deeply woven into the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, has given rise to a pantheon of remarkable talents. In this extensive tribute, we pay homage to the top 10 Indian Kabaddi players whose indomitable spirit and extraordinary contributions have etched their names into the annals of sporting history.
1. Anup KumarÂ
The Enigmatic “God of Kabaddi” Anup Kumar, affectionately known as the “God of Kabaddi,” embarked on his Kabaddi journey in the most unassuming of ways, initially playing the sport as a pastime during his carefree childhood days. However, little did he realize that this humble beginning would propel him to become one of the game’s most prolific raiders. Furthermore, Kumar’s crowning glory includes leading the Indian national team to gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, cementing his legacy as an absolute legend of the sport. His remarkable odyssey from a local enthusiast to a national icon stands as an inspiring testament to the limitless possibilities that Kabaddi offers.
2. Ajay ThakurÂ
The Resplendent “King of Kabaddi” Ajay Thakur, heralded as the “King of Kabaddi,” is an enduring symbol of consistency and brilliance within the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league’s illustrious history. With a career that spans multiple seasons, Thakur has left an indelible imprint on the sport, representing revered franchises such as the Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, and Tamil Thalaivas. The zenith of Thakur’s illustrious journey arrived when he captained the Indian national team to a resounding gold medal triumph at the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship. His staggering tally of over 800 points and participation in more than 110 matches epitomizes the perfect amalgamation of quality and experience.
3. Manjeet ChhillarÂ
The Versatile “One-Man Army” Hailing from Nizampur, often christened as the “cradle of Indian Kabaddi,” Manjeet Chhillar’s Kabaddi voyage is nothing short of extraordinary. Initially setting out on a path in wrestling, Chhillar pivoted back to his roots following a nose injury, choosing to pursue Kabaddi. Displaying remarkable versatility and consistent brilliance, whether in the Pro-Kabaddi League or donning the Indian jersey, Chhillar earned the moniker ‘One-Man Army.’ He was an integral part of the Indian team that clinched gold at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and clinched two Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Manjeet Chhillar’s journey continues to inspire budding Kabaddi enthusiasts.
4. Rakesh KumarÂ
The Dependable All-Rounder Rakesh Kumar, hailing from a North West Delhi village, stumbled upon his love for Kabaddi during his formative years in high school. Moreover, renowned for his dual prowess in both attack and defense, Kumar is the go-to player during pivotal moments, thanks to his unwavering reliability. Emerging as one of the most highly-priced Indian Kabaddi players in the inaugural Pro-Kabaddi League auction, he later led the Patna Pirates to their maiden fourth-place finish in 2014 before donning the colors of U Mumba and Tamil Thalaivas. Today, Kumar has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a coach, guiding the Haryana Steelers with the same ardor and expertise that defined his illustrious playing career.
5. Pardeep NarwalÂ
The Ingenious “Dubki King” Earning the title of the “Dubki King” in the realm of Kabaddi is a formidable achievement, and Pardeep Narwal wears this distinction with utmost pride. Currently donning the Patna Pirates jersey in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league, Narwal is unequivocally the league’s premier raider. His impressive achievements include being the first player to breach the coveted 1,000-point milestone and securing the gold medal for India at the 2019 South Asian Games. Narwal’s innate ability to outsmart opponents and outscore them has made him an undeniable sensation in the world of Kabaddi.
6. Deepak Niwas HoodaÂ
Emerging from the Crucible Deepak Niwas Hooda’s journey in Kabaddi serves as a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born into a farming family in Chamaria village, nestled in Haryana’s Rohtak district, Hooda confronted significant personal adversity, losing his mother at a tender age and his father in 2013. Despite these staggering challenges, Hooda has ascended to the pinnacle of Kabaddi excellence, emerging as one of the most clinical Indian Kabaddi players. His astonishing tally of over 940 points, 1765 raids, and 231 tackles during his VIVO Pro Kabaddi league career embodies the spirit of determination and triumph in Kabaddi.
7. Pawan SehrawatÂ
The Youthful Sensation Our roster of Kabaddi luminaries extends beyond seasoned campaigners to include emerging talents like Pawan Sehrawat. At a mere 24 years of age, Sehrawat has already established himself as one of the preeminent raiders in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league. In season 6, he secured the coveted MVP title, and in 2018 and 2019, he reigned as the league’s leading scorer. Sehrawat also boasts the record for the highest points scored in a single match, a staggering 39. His youthful vigor coupled with his exceptional skills positions him as a player destined for greatness in the future of Kabaddi.
8. Rahul ChaudhariÂ
The Showman Turned Raider Rahul Chaudhari’s evolution from a defender to one of the most prolific raiders in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league is a remarkable and inspiring journey. Revered for his flair in raids, Chaudhari is endearingly referred to as a showman within the Kabaddi fraternity. Sporting an enviable career average of 79.79% not-out rate, his signature running hand touch has propelled him to the status of one of the foremost Indian Kabaddi players. He is only the second player in the sport’s history to breach the 1,000-point barrier, a testament to his unrivaled skills and unwavering commitment to Kabaddi.
9. Surender NadaÂ
The Defensive Dynamo Surender Nada is a distinguished name among Indian Kabaddi players, excelling both on the club and international stages. He has primarily served as a stalwart defender for the national team, contributing significantly to their triumphs, including four international titles, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. Nada has represented four formidable PKL teams, namely U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls, Haryana Steelers, and Patna Pirates. His partnership with Mohit Chillar forged one of the most formidable right-left defensive combinations in the world of Kabaddi. Nada’s leadership skills came to the fore when he captained the Haryana Steelers during the PKL’s fifth season.
10. Sandeep NarwalÂ
A Saga Beyond Asiads, Sandeep Narwal, the son of former Kabaddi player OP Narwal and guided by the astute mentorship of Jagdish Narwal, aspired for a legacy that transcended mere Asiads triumphs. Moreover, he achieved precisely that, establishing himself as one of India’s foremost Kabaddi stalwarts, celebrated for his herculean performances. Whether thwarting raiders with powerful blocks or strategically dismantling opponent traps within their own den, Sandeep’s journey from U-14, U-17, and U-19 levels to a key architect of the Patna Pirates’ championship glory underscores his extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment. Presently, he imparts his invaluable experience to U Mumba, where his immense expertise significantly bolsters the team’s prospects.
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Conclusion
In closing, we’ve traversed the landscape of Indian Kabaddi to unveil these ten exemplary athletes. Each of them has radiated an exceptional display of teamwork and athleticism, contributing immeasurably to the sport’s burgeoning popularity and relentless growth. Their stories are a testament to the power of Kabaddi to transform lives and inspire generations of athletes to reach for the stars.
