Kabaddi is among the most popular sports in India, renowned for its dynamism and teamwork, as well as exciting moments. It’s the thrilling sport you have heard of where strength and strategy meet. Through the years, many skilled players have shown their talent which made the sport popular not just in India but also around the world. Because of the Pro Kabaddi league (PKL) the sport has risen to an all-new level. A lot of Indian players have wowed everyone with their stunning performances, gaining the respect and admiration of the fans all over the world.
These players have inspired younger athletes through their dedication, strength and ability. From formidable raiders to tough defensive players, they have demonstrated their commitment and determination.These players have not just contributed to the success of their teams, but have earned glory for India on the international stage.
Let’s take a look at our list of the top 10 most famous Kabaddi Players in India:
10 Most Popular Kabaddi Players in India
1. Pardeep Narwal
Pardeep Narwal, aka”the “Dubki King” is one of the most renowned Kabaddi players of all time. He is the top player of the Pro Kabaddi League history with 1690 points from 170 games. Pardeep started the PKL adventure in the PKL with Bengaluru Bulls in season 2 but he made his name famous when Patna Pirates winning 3 consecutive PKL tiles. Pardeep is the holder of having the highest number of super raids and the highest amount of touches in a single raid. He also was the first point in history to surpass 1500 points of raid within PKL history. His accomplishments include the most Best Raider and MVP awards.
2. Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh a Punjab based Kabaddi player, is renowned for his shrewd strategies and his ability to master Do or Die raids. With 1428 points across the 143 games he has been an important participant with the Bengal warriors as well as a top player in PKL. He is well-known for his ability to alter the game and contributions for his contribution to the Indian National team. His record is for the fastest raider with 500 and 400 points in the The PKL season of 2018-19. His best ever 20 points in raids secured him the thrilling 45-50 victory against Gujarat Giants.
3. Pawan Sehrawat
Pawan Sehrawat also referred to in the ring as “High flyer” is a prominent Indian Kabaddi player, who is a player with the Telugu Titans in the PKL. A Delhi all-rounder, He holds the record of being the highest-priced player of PKL history. He was acquired at 2.60 crores for season 10. Pawan made his debut with Bengaluru Bulls in season 3 and was their best player to raid. With 1189 points across the 126 games he has demonstrated his abilities as an efficient player. He was awarded gold medals at the South Asian games as well as Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023. Pawan was also awarded the highly coveted Arjuna award for his exceptional performance in Kabaddi.
4. Rahul Chaudhari
Rahul Chaudhari, also referred to in the media as “Raid Machine” is a outstanding kabaddi player from UP. In the beginning, Rahul began his career as a defensive player but later became one the best raiders of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). With 1045 points from the 154 games Rahul was one of the very first players to achieve 500, 700, and 800 point within PKL history. The player has represented numerous teams including Telugu Titans, Tamil Thalaivas and currently plays for Jaipur Pink Panthers. He was a part of the team that won gold in the 2016 South Asian Games. The unique air raiding style has been a hit with fans.
5. Deepak Ram Niwas Hooda
Deepak Hooda is a skilled player of all kinds with the Patna Pirates in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). With the score of 1020 points and 154 matches his name is considered to be one of India’s best Kabaddi players, following Pardeep Narwal. Deepaka played in kabaddi since his youth and enjoyed huge results. He was a major player in Haryana’s gold-winning team in the 2013 Senior National Kabaddi tournament. He has won numerous medals, including gold at the South Asian Games and Kabaddi world cup.
6. Naveen Kumar
Naveen Kumar Goyat, a.k.a in the “Naveen Express” is a skilled Indian Kabaddi player who plays for the Indian team as well as Dabang Delhi KC in the professional Kabaddi League. With just 24 years age, he’s earned himself an excellent reputation for his play style rapidity, speed, and remarkable ability to raid. He began his career in the year 2018 in the PKL with Dabang Delhi and quickly became one of the best raiders in the PKL. In fact, he holds the world record of having the record for being fastest in history to achieve 600 points. He also won the MVP award in season 7 and 8. His international accomplishments include helping India win the 13th South Asian Games and the Asian Kabaddi championship in 2023.
7. Sachin Tanwar
Sachin Tanwar (born 19 July 1999) is a famous Indian Kabaddi player known for his ability to raid. He was a player for Patna pirates from 2024 to 2024. He is currently playing in the PKL with Tamil Thalaivas in the PKL as well as the Indian nation’s team. At only 25, Sachin is among the youngest players in the league, scoring 952 points over 128 games. Sachin made his debut for in the Indian team in the year 2017. His successes include gold medals during the 2017 South east Asian games and the Asian beach games.
8. Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal, also referred to”Raid Machine “Raid Machine” is a highly skilled Indian Professional kabaddi player. He is a player who plays as an attacker for the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). He is also renowned for his ferocious raiding style. Arjun started his kabaddi adventure when he was 14 years old, by local village players. With 947 points from 91 matches, his top abilities make him one of the best players in PKL. Alongside Kabaddi he is also the DSP for the UP police. The team he was on included the Indian team that took home the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and 2023 Busan Asian Kabaddi championship.
9. Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur was born the 1st of May 1987 in Himachal Pradesh is a legendary Kabaddi player and DCP. He is known as the Ice Man he played a key role in leading India to victory at the 2016 Kabaddi world cup and the 2014 Asian Games, winning gold medals. Ajay Thakur, who was awarded the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award has been a part of several sides from PKL and is considered to be one of the top raiders in India. He is the holder of 719 points in 120 games. Alongside his stellar sports career He is a police agent for Himachal Pradesh.
10. Surender Nada
Surender Nada is an Indian Kabaddi player who is known for his outstanding defensive skills and signature move of the ankle hold. Born on July 1, 1987, He has played for several clubs within PKL which includes U Mumba and Haryana Steelers. He has also been a part of the India as a part of the team’s medal wins including the his 2016 Kabaddi world cup victory, silver in Asian kabaddi championship in 2017, and silver at the 2019, South Asian games.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is a game that is deeply roots in India’s tradition has evolved into an international game. Thanks to players such as Rahul Chaudhari Pardeep Narwal Ajay Thakur and others who make a difference with their passion and talent.
