Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh is an Indian professional kabaddi player who plays as a raider. He has represented India in international kabaddi competitions and has been a prominent figure in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), where he is best known for his long association with the Bengal Warriors franchise.
| Maninder Singh | |
|---|---|
| Sport | Kabaddi |
| Position | Raider |
| Nationality | Indian |
| League | Pro Kabaddi League |
| Notable team | Bengal Warriors |
| Role | Captain, Bengal Warriors |
Background
Maninder Singh hails from Punjab, a state with a deep-rooted tradition in kabaddi. He took to the sport at a young age and progressed through domestic competitions before entering professional franchise kabaddi in India.
Career
Pro Kabaddi League
Maninder Singh entered the Pro Kabaddi League in its early seasons and went on to become one of the most consistent raiders in the competition. He has been associated with the Bengal Warriors for an extended period, eventually being appointed captain of the side. Under his leadership and raiding contributions, Bengal Warriors won the Pro Kabaddi League title in Season 7 (2019), defeating Dabang Delhi in the final held in Ahmedabad.
He is recognised for his ability to score consistently in difficult match situations, particularly through "Do or Die" raids, and is among the highest raid-point scorers in the league's history.
International career
Maninder Singh has represented India in international kabaddi events and training camps organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI).
Playing style
Maninder is primarily a raider known for his agility, hand-touches, and toe-touches. His raiding game relies on quick footwork rather than power-based attacking, allowing him to evade defenders and earn bonus and touch points.
Significance
As a long-serving captain and lead raider of the Bengal Warriors, Maninder Singh has been an influential figure in the franchise era of Indian kabaddi. His role in Bengal Warriors' first PKL title and his sustained scoring record have made him one of the recognisable faces of the league.