Famous Kabaddi Players Of India Everyone Should Know

Kabaddi is originally the game of India and has been played since ancient times. It is a thrilling sport that makes people curious to know about the famous kabaddi players of India. There is no doubt that Kabaddi is the most exciting and engaging sport, involving seven players on each side, with one offensive player, the ‘raider’. The game is played for 40 minutes with a 5-minute break. It is really interesting to see how players struggle to tag one of the players on the opposite team and return to their side without being caught. 

Kabaddi & Its Glorious Journey

Kabaddi, the highly energetic sport, is not only an integral part of Indian tradition but has gained global recognition. It requires skilled players and teamwork to win the game. Some famous kabaddi players of India have put their best efforts and skills to take the sport to another level. 

This sport has been mentioned in various historical texts. From ancient times, Kabaddi has been played in different forms and under various names in different regions of the country. Talking about the name ‘Kabaddi’, it is believed that it has been derived from the Tamil word “Kai-pidi” which means “holding hands”. 

Kabaddi, now a popular sport worldwide, was once a means of military training and self-defense. It requires participants to demonstrate their strength, agility, and quick thinking. Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport played on the mat or the field between two teams, each trying to score points by tagging or tackling members of the opposite while chanting ‘Kabaddi’. 

Today, the game has evolved, and the modern era of Kabaddi witnessed a significant transformation with the inception of the World Cup in 2004 and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2014. These events brought the kabaddi professionals to the forefront, attracting top talents, sponsors, and a massive fan base. 

Now, Kabaddi is a game of tradition and modernity and continues to be a thriving sport. It requires teamwork, strength and strategy. So, to inspire the upcoming generation, it is a must to delve into the famous kabaddi players of India to know about their dedication to the game.

List Of Indian Kabaddi Players

Without much ado, let’s find out who are the top Indian kabaddi players. We have shortlisted them based on their recognition on Google and different social media platforms. 

Manjeet Chhillar 

Manjeet Chillar, known for his remarkable defensive skills, is often referred to as the “Corner Specialist”. He has been since the start of the Indian Kabaddi team and has consistently delivered outstanding performances in national and international competitions. Manjeet’s ability to execute precision tackles and defend against even the most formidable raiders has made him the true asset of his team. 

Instagram Followers- 107K

Anup Kumar

Anup Kumar, often referred to as the “Captain Cool,” is one of the famous kabaddi players of India. Known for his tactics and brilliant mind, Anup captained the Indian Kabaddi team in multiple international events, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. His agility, swift raids, and calm demeanour on the field made him one of the top 5 kabaddi players in India. 

Instagram Followers- 208K 

Rohit Kumar 

Rohit Kumar is the name of Kabaddi. His determination regarding the sport took him to another level in the world of Kabaddi. He started his career in the Pro Kabaddi League season 3 and never looked back since then. Rohit has participated in many events, including National Squad in 2016, where he achieved a Gold medal for his nation. 

Instagram Followers- 223K

Maninder Singh 

If you’re finding who is the best kabaddi player in India, Maninder Singh is the name. He, a proficient kabaddi player from Punjab, Haryana, is also one of the famous kabaddi players of India. In the Pro Kabaddi League, he is one of the best and fastest raiders, resulting in his immense prominence. 

Instagram Followers- 227K

Ajay Thakur

The second-last player on the India Kabaddi players is Ajay Thakur. He is known as the ‘Raid Machine’ and is a prolific kabaddi player who has represented India at various International tournaments. His lightning-fast raids and the ability to score crucial points under pressure have made him a household name in the kabaddi world. What made him one of the most famous kabaddi players of India is his contribution to success in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. 

Instagram Followers- 398K

Naveen Kumar

Naveen Kumar is a versatile Kabbadi player with a huge fan following. He is known for his exceptional skills and a great contribution to the sport. Naveen Kumar’s agility, speed and remarkable raiding abilities made him one of the most famous kabaddi players of India. He made his debut in Pro Kabaddi League in 2018 as a part of Haryana Steelers and quickly gained attention. Undoubtedly, he is also one of the inspiring sports personalities. 

Instagram Followers- 472K

Deepak Niwas Hooda

Talking about the Indian kabaddi players, Deepak Niwas Hooda is one of them. He is a multifaceted player known for his all-rounder abilities. He can do raiding and defending with perfection. Hooda can handle different game situations, which makes him a valuable asset to the Indian kabaddi team. All these attributes made him one of the most famous kabaddi players of India. 

Instagram Followers- 496K

Pardeep Narwal 

Another well-known name of Kabaddi is Pardeel Narwal, who has been known as the “Dubki King”. He is a raiding sensation in the world of Kabaddi and is considered among the famous Kabaddi players of India because of his signature move, the dubki. Narwhal’s incredible raiding talent has earned him numerous awards, encouraging him to continue his game on the kabaddi mat. 

Instagram Followers- 689K 

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat 

Pawan, often known as ‘Hi-Flyer’, is a raiding sensation who has taken the PKL by storm. His incredible leaps and ability to score points in do-or-die raids made him one of the most famous kabaddi players of India. Sehrawat’s incredible performance and agility on the mat have earned several awards and a fan following. 

Instagram Followers- 900K

Rahul Chaudhari

Rahul Chaudhari, one of the famous kabaddi players of India, probably needs no introduction. He is regarded as “The Showman”, mainly known for his entertaining style. With the acrobatic raids and a knack for outsmarting defenders, he has captured the hearts of kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide. Rahul’s contribution to Indian Kabaddi is worth appreciating and inspiring. 

Instagram Followers- 1M 

These famous kabaddi players of India have not only earned recognition but become proud icons for the nation. Their dedication, passion, and strength are enough to inspire the aspirants seeking to become the best kabaddi players. As India continues to produce the kabaddi stars, the legacy of these players will continue to shine brightly. 

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