5 Best Kabaddi Players Of All Time

As the fever of Kabaddi grips India and fans delve into the ongoing 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League, we delve into the legacy of Kabaddi. To find out about the top flag bearers of the game, we have come up with the top 5 players of all time. These are the players who emerged as titans in the sport's history. From legendary Anup Kumar to record-breaking Pradeep Narwal Kabaddi, India has come a long way, and now it's time to celebrate its heroes.

5. Rahul Chaudhari: The Raider Showman

From defender to raider, Rahul Chaudhari is a rare gem in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League. Known for his flair raids and a lavish lifestyle off-court, Chaudhari is a PKL legend. The third player to reach 1,000 raid points, he continues to make plays for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, showcasing his trademark running hand touch. Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Chaudhari recently led Uttar Pradesh to the National Games title, proving he's still a force to be reckoned with.

4. Fazel "Sultan" Atrachali: The International Defender

Hailing from Iran, Fazel Atrachali has left an indelible mark on the PKL, establishing himself as the best defender in the league's history. With a record 379 successful tackles and being the first to achieve 400 tackle points, Atrachali is a defensive powerhouse. Awarded the Best Defender title twice, including an outstanding season 7 with 82 tackle points, he also captained Iran to victory at the 2018 Asian Games, defeating India and South Korea in the process.

3. Naveen Kumar: The Young Sensation

Once labelled an up-and-coming star, Naveen Kumar has become one of Kabaddi's greatest raiders. The first player born in the 21st century to feature in the PKL, Kumar won back-to-back MVP awards and played a pivotal role in Dabang Delhi K.C.'s victory in the eighth season. His ability to shine in crucial moments, such as scoring a super 10 in the final against the Patna Pirates, cements his status as a rising Kabaddi star with the potential to surpass legends.

2. Pardeep Narwal: The Dubki King

Known as the "Dubki King," Pardeep Narwal is hailed as the best raider in Kabaddi history. Playing for UP Yoddah, Narwal boasts an extensive list of achievements, including being the top point scorer, achieving the most successful raids, and securing the most super 10s. Narwal's legacy extends beyond the PKL, with gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and three consecutive PKL titles with the Patna Pirates. His eight-point raid against the Haryana Steelers remains etched in kabaddi history as a testament to his unrivalled skills.

1. Anup Kumar: Captain Cool

Anup Kumar revered as the "God of Kabaddi," embarked on his journey from humble beginnings, initially playing the sport for leisure. He became one of Kabaddi's most prolific raiders and spent five impactful years with U Mumba before joining the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Kumar's crowning achievement was captaining the Indian national team to gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. Amidst his illustrious career, he earned an MVP award, but it's Kumar's legacy as one of the sport's pioneering superstars that cemented his status as one of Kabaddi's all-time greats, leaving an indelible mark on the game's history.