Kabaddi’s roots can be traced through prehistoric times. Kabaddi emerged in India primarily for the purpose of helping young men boost their physical power and quickness. Initially, kabaddi was practiced to enhance self-defense skills and develop quick responses to attacks. It also improved the reflexes of players who usually played in groups or teams to counterattack. Kabaddi is also mentioned in Hindu mythology. The Mahabharata, a dramatized version of the famous Indian epic, has made an analog of the game, in which the warrior Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu suffers a difficult time when he is caught in the ‘Chakravyuha’ built by his adversaries of the War.
Kabaddi’s popularity has risen over the years, from a popular game in rural India to a sport recognized at the national level. A number of national and international kabaddi tournaments have been held, with the Indian national kabaddi squad delivering outstanding performances. The introduction of Federation Cup Kabaddi matches in India in 1981 was a watershed moment in the country’s Kabaddi history. in 2004 India achieved another milestone by sponsoring the first Kabaddi World Cup in Mumbai. The Country also won the World Cup. So far, she has produced a number of great Kabaddi players who have achieved international acclaim and brought honor to the country.
Today we will discuss the top 10 evergreen kabaddi players in India in this article
Anup Kumar:
There is no better way than to start to talk about Anup Kumar when we are mentioning the iconic names of Indian Kabaddi. After all this Haryanvi boy is known as the ‘God of Kabaddi’. Who thought that the childhood leisure time passing game would be changed into the profession, the identity of Anup one day? He is regarded as one of the most successful raiders in the game’s history. He spent five years with U Mumba before joining the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Kumar’s most notable victory was captaining the Indian national team to gold medals at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014.
Pradeep Narwal:
‘Dubki King’ Pradeep Narwal from Haryana is regarded as the best kabaddi player in 2023. Narwal is presently a member of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league’s Patna Pirates, where he is regarded as the league’s most significant raider. His notable achievements include becoming the first player to record 1,000 points and achieving the gold medal for India at the 2019 South Asian Games. He was also awarded the best raider twice in 2017 and 2018.
Manjeet Chhillar:
Nizampur’s Chhillar is now regarded as the ‘cradle of Indian Kabaddi’. At an early age, Manjeet started his career as a wrestler. But after a severe nose injury, he was forced to take retirement from wrestling. Manjeet has never failed to impress with his all-around capabilities, whether in the Pro-Kabaddi League or for the Indian team, earning him the title of ‘One-Man Army.’ He was a member of the Indian squad that won gold at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and a two-time Asian Games winner (2010 and 2014). In the 5th season of the Pro-Kabaddi League (PKL), Manjeet moved to Jaipur Pink Panthers as their new skipper.
Ajay Thakur:
India’s one of greatest raiders Ajay Thakur is the past captain of the Indian National Kabaddi Team and ranked at the list of the top best Kabaddi players in India. Thakur has an extensive career in the game, having played for the Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, and Tamil Thalaivas. A gentleman called “King of Kabaddi” captained the Indian national team to gold at the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship. He has over 800 points and has played in more than 110 matches. Thakur is the definition of quality and experience.
The boy of Himachal Pradesh was a part of the Indian National Team which won the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and a Gold medal in the Asian Games in 2014. In 2019, Ajay was awarded Padma Shri and Arjuna Award by Indian Government.
Rakesh Kumar:
Rakesh, who is from a small town in North West Delhi, began playing Kabaddi in high school. The Delhi boy transformed his passion into the profession of his life. Rakesh was one of the most expensive Indian Kabaddi players in the Pro-Kabaddi League’s first auction. He eventually joined the Patna Pirates and was promoted to captain. He led U Mumba to its first fourth-place finish in 2014 before signing with them in 2016. Rakesh played for Tamil Thalivas during the following season. The Indian player is currently the coach of the Haryana Steelers.
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Deepak Niwas Hooda:
Hood’s early age was not so smooth. After losing his both parents at a very young age, this boy from Haryana struggled a lot to start his career as a Kabaddi player. During his VIVO Pro-Kabaddi League career, the current captain of the Jaipur Pink Panthers has recorded over 940 points, 1765 raids, and 231 tackles, earning him a reputation as one of the most clinical Indian Kabaddi players.
Hooda achieved Gold medals in Asian Games 2014 and Asian Kabaddi Championship 2017, and a Bronze medal in Asian Games 2018.
Pawan Sehrawat:
This distinguished ranking covers more than just the best Indian Kabaddi players. Sehrawat is only 24 years old, but his long reach and lower-body strength have helped him establish himself as one of the best raiders in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi league. He was named MVP in season 6, and he led the league in scoring in both 2018 and 2019.Sehrawat additionally maintains the record for most points scored in a single match, with 39.
Rahul Chaudhary:
Chaudhary started playing Kabaddi at just the age of 13 in the year 2006. This UP boy debuted his career as a defender. Later he became one of the finest raiders. Being a part of the Indian National Team achieved a Gold medal in South Asian Games 2016 and was renowned as the ‘World’s Best Kabaddi Player’ this year. He is only the second player in history to reach 1,000 points.
Sandeep Narwal:
Sandeep, one of the best Indian Kabaddi players, performs a Herculean performance. Sandeep is far more than capable of resisting a raider with a solid block or getting rid of an opponent’s traps in their den.
Sandeep made a solid case for an all-rounder position in the national squad after playing at the U-14, U-17, and U-19 levels. He is regarded for having a crucial part in the Patna Pirates’ third-season championship. Puneri Paltan bought him for active action a season later. In contrast, U Mumba is capitalizing on Sandeep’s well-known experience.
Surender Nada:
Surender Nada is one of the prominent figures among Indian Kabaddi players, who have performed well at both the club and international levels. He has previously played defender for the national team, and he contributed to them winning four international accolades, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. Nada has played for four Pro-Kabaddi League (PKL) teams that have achieved success: U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls, Haryana Steelers, and Patna Pirates. Nada and Mohit Chillar are often recognized as the world’s most dangerous right-left combination. Nada led the Haryana Steelers during the fifth season of the PKL.
