Ever wondered who the god of kabaddi is? Today, we’ll answer that for you. Read this article as we explore this indigenous contact team sport and celebrate the most productive, creative, and popular performers who are recognised all around the world!
Kabaddi is a sport whose historical sources claim to be more than 3000 years old. While it continued being exclusive across the Indian subcontinent for many decades, Kabaddi is now a global phenomenon.
Every year, more than 50 countries play this sport in different international and domestic leagues. There are millions of players around the globe, out of which a few are regarded as the greatest of all time. Who are they? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Who is the God of Kabaddi: Ranking the Top 10 All Time Greats
Before getting into the list of best Kabaddi players, you must understand the selection criteria that are used to pick players and rank them in a certain order.
Firstly, we assessed players based on their skill proficiency, considering their position (raider, defender, all-rounder) and respective ability. Next, we checked how consistent they were across various tournaments (both international and domestic). Finally, we analyzed statistical data, including most points scored, successful raids, successful tackles, etc.
Doing all these helped ensure that our list of players was unbiased and completely based on their performances and effectiveness for the teams they played. Here are our top 10 best kabaddi players:
| No | Player | Team
(International) |
Team (Pro Kabaddi League) | Current Status |
| 1 | Anup Kumar | India |
|
Retired |
| 2 | Pardeep Narwal | India |
|
Active |
| 3 | Fazel Atrachali | Iran |
|
Active |
| 4 | Rahul Chaudhari | India |
|
Active |
| 5 | Deepak Niwas Hooda | India |
|
Active |
| 6 | Naveen Kumar | India |
|
Active |
| 7 | Pawan Sehrawat | India |
|
Active |
| 8 | Maninder Singh | India |
|
Active |
| 9 | Sandeep Narwal | India |
|
Active |
| 10 | Ajay Thakur | India |
|
Retired |
Knowing More About the God of Kabaddi in World
Anup Kumar: God of Kabaddi
- Position: Raider
Anup Kumar, the former professional player and current coach of Puneri Paltan, is widely considered the god of kabaddi. He made his international debut in 2006 and won gold for the nation in the immediate next season. Throughout his career, Anup won 6 gold medals for India and other domestic titles, including the PKL trophy. He went on to become one of the greatest raiders of all time.
Pardeep Narwal: God of Pro Kabaddi League
- Position: Raider
Raid machine Pardeep Narwal, aka Dubki King, is the modern-day great of Kabaddi. He kickstarted his international career with a bang and won gold for the nation three times.
Besides that, Pardeep is often considered the greatest player to play in Pro Kabaddi League. In season 7, he became the first player to score 1000 raid points and is currently the all-time top scorer. He even holds the record for claiming Super 10s in two consecutive season(s).
Fazel Atrachali: The Best Defender of Kabaddi
- Position: Defender Left Corner
Up next on our list is the hotshot Iranian left-corner defender Fazel Atrachali. Representing his national team, he won gold for Iran in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang event. Fazel is one of the most valuable overseas players in the history of PKL. In the very first season, he proved to be a driving force that helped U Mumba win the title. As of 2024, he holds the record for most successful tackles (458).
Rahul Chaudhari: Young God of Indian National Team
- Position: Raider
Rahul Chaudhari is another prolific player born with sheer skill. He made his PKL debut with Telugu Titans and left an instant mark. Rahul then went on to play for Tamil Thalaivas and Jaipur Pink Panthers and deliver match-winning performances. In case you don’t already know, Rahul was the first player ever to score 500, 700 and 800 raid points in PKL. This showcases how good of a raider he is.
Deepak Niwas Hooda: One of the Best All Rounders
- Position: All-Rounder
In the world of Kabaddi, all-rounders have a great role to play, and in this regard, Deepak Niwas Hooda is definitely the best that the sport has got. Be it in international or domestic leagues, Deepak proved to be an asset on multiple occasions. As far as PKL is concerned, his greatest achievement has to be the assistance that he provided to Puneri Paltan’s podium finish in the third season.
Naveen Kumar: One of the Best Young Raiders
- Position: Raider
When we talk about the elite-level raiders, the young Indian kabaddi player Naveen Kumar Goyat marches into the list of greats. Born in 2000, he is already one the best players in the sport, both in the international and domestic circuits. Playing for the national side in the 2022 Asian Games at Hangzhou, Naveen scored a Super 10 in the finals and helped India grab the gold. His achievements in the PKL are also noteworthy, including the MVP award in season 8.
Pawan Sehrawat: Winner of Gold Medals for Indian National Kabaddi Team
- Position: Raider
Pawan Sehrawat is a popular name in the Kabaddi circuit thanks to his impeccable performances and undeniable contributions. On the international stage, Pawan helped India win gold at the Asian Games, South Asian Games, and the South Asian Games. The success story continues to PKL, where he played for several teams and proved to be an aid on multiple occasions.
Maninder Singh: Kabaddi Asia Cup Winner
- Position: Raider
Maninder Singh is another talented Indian professional Kabaddi player who attains the role of a raider. He was a part of the Indian national team that won gold at the 2017 Asia Cup. Besides being a regular player, Maninder serves as the captain of Bengal Warriors in the Pro Kabaddi League. Back in 2019, he, with his exceptional raiding and leading skills, led the Bengal Warriors to their first-ever PKL trophy.
Sandeep Narwal: Experienced Right Corner
- Position: Raider
Sandeep Narwal is a prominent kabaddi player from India who has showcased his talent across various Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) teams. It includes Patna Pirates, Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi K.C., and currently with UP Yoddhas. With an impressive record of 852 raids in 158 matches, Sandeep has been a true match-winner. Notably, in PKL 3, Narwal stood out with the second-highest tackle points. No doubt, the same contributed significantly to Patna Pirates’ victory over U Mumba in the finals.
Ajay Thakur: King of Kabaddi
- Position: Raider
At the very end of this list, we’ve got Ajay Thakur, who is popularly known as the Ice Man, or the King of Kabaddi. Playing for the national team, he led India to the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship gold. He also played a vital role in India’s gold quest in other major events like the Asian Games.
The Padma Shri and Arjuna Award winner Ajay Thakur also had some notable achievements in PKL. To name a few, we’ve got 213 raid points for Tamil Thalaivas, 122 raid points for Bengaluru Bulls, etc.
Honorary Mention: Harjeet Brar Bajakhana (God Father of Kabaddi)
When we talk about Kabaddi, it is inevitable to mention Harjeet Singh Brar, aka Bajakhana. Born in September 1971 in Punjab, Harjeet Singh pioneered the evolution of Kabaddi as a sport. Undeniably, it was his vision and dedication to promoting this indigenous sport that earned him the title of the Father/God father of Kabaddi in India.
Final Words on Who is God of Kabaddi?
That wraps up our detailed guide on the God of Kabaddi. Here, you’ve learned about 10 of the most prolific players to have played the sport across different tournaments. Be it the Asian Games, South Asian Games, World Cup, or Pro Kabaddi League, all the players mentioned in this article have left a mark with their remarkable performances.
Knowing about the best kabaddi players has definitely improved your wisdom. But guess what? The same can help you make accurate predictions for the upcoming kabaddi fixtures.
Don’t wait any longer! Browse the Parimatch website or download the official app and create an account for free today. Once done, add funds to your betslip, make predictions, and bet on the upcoming PKL season in a breeze. It is the best time to win alongside your favorite kabaddi player.
FAQs
Who is the God of Kabaddi?
Veteran Anup Kumar is widely regarded as the god of kabaddi. Representing India, he has won 6 gold medals. He is also a PKL legend and won the championship, representing U Mumba.
Who is new God of Kabaddi?
Pardeep Narwal is the new god of kabaddi. He has won gold medals for India in three tournaments. Pardeep is currently one of the most prolific raiders and is the first to reach 1000 points in PKL.
Who is known as God of Kabaddi?
Anup Kumar is known as the God of Kabaddi in India and globally. He had a great domestic and international career and won multiple prestigious events, including PKL, Asian Games, and more.
Which team has won the Pro Kabaddi League the most times?
Patna Pirates is the most successful team in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League. In just ten seasons, they have won the championship three times.
Who is God Father of Kabaddi?
India’s Harjeet Brar Bajakhan is widely regarded as the father/god father of kabaddi for his contributions that led to the evolution of this sport.
Who is the God of Pro Kabaddi?
Paradeep Narwal is the god of Pro Kabaddi. In 10 seasons, he holds the record for most raid points and most successful raids.