Naveen Kumar (Kabaddi player)

Born on February 14, 2000, Naveen Kumar's kabaddi journey started off at an early age. He was introduced to the sport by his grandfather, a former state-level wrestler, and became a top name in his school's U-17 team before being elected to play in junior nationals where he made it to the finals in 2016.

Naveen completed his higher education from the Kuk University, Haryana, and this was when he competed at the national level for the first time. The 21-year-old ended up as the most successful raider of the tournament, which helped him gain immense recognition.

However, no good thing comes easy. As for Naveen, he had to juggle a lot between his personal and family life while keeping his dream of becoming a top name in Kabaddi alive. But the youngster was encouraged by his family at every step of his life.

"I received the support of my family and childhood coach and realized that I have to do something in the field of Kabaddi," he once said in an old interview.[2] The player's enthusiasm for the game increased by leaps and bounds. Naveen Kumar competed in junior national and university championships for his school. He then went on to compete in the U-17 World Championships before moving up to the national team. Kumar came out on top as the best raider.[1]

Naveen Kumar made his debut in Season 6 and became the first player born in the 2000s to feature in the league. He finished his first season as Dabang Delhi K.C.'s top-scorer with 177 points and led them to their maiden appearance in the playoffs. Naveen carried the same vein in Season 7, emerging as the league MVP in just his second campaign while taking his team to the final. Blessed with explosive speed and catlike reflexes, Naveen also scored 22 Super 10s in 23 appearances in Season 7. His ability to deploy his staple move - the 'Running Hand Touch' to score points has made him an offensive juggernaut.[3]