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Anup Kumar (kabaddi)

Overview

Anup Kumar is a former Indian kabaddi player who served as captain of the Indian national kabaddi team. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished raiders of his generation, he led India to gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and was a key figure in the early seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League. He is known for his composed leadership, sharp raiding technique, and the trademark toe-touch raid.

Key facts

Full name Anup Kumar
Sport Kabaddi
Position Raider
Home state Haryana, India
Profession Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana Police
National team India (former captain)
Pro Kabaddi League teams U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Puneri Paltan
Major honour Arjuna Award (2012)

Background

Anup Kumar hails from Haryana, a state with a strong tradition of producing kabaddi players. He took up the sport at the school and university level before progressing through the domestic circuit. He has been associated with the Haryana Police, where he holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, a position he received in recognition of his sporting achievements.

International career

Anup Kumar represented India at multiple major international tournaments and rose to lead the side during a particularly successful phase for Indian kabaddi.

  • Asian Games: Part of the gold-medal-winning Indian team at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, and captain of the side that won gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
  • Kabaddi World Cup: Member of India's title-winning squads in the standard-style Kabaddi World Cup, including the 2016 edition held in Ahmedabad, where he led the team to the championship.
  • South Asian Games and Asian Kabaddi Championship: Won multiple gold medals as part of the Indian national team.

Pro Kabaddi League

Anup Kumar was one of the marquee names when the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was launched in 2014.

  • U Mumba: He captained U Mumba from the inaugural season. The franchise reached the final of Season 1 in 2014, finished as runners-up, and went on to win the title in Season 2 (2015) under his leadership. The team also reached the final of Season 3 (2016).
  • Jaipur Pink Panthers: He was acquired by the Jaipur Pink Panthers for a later season of the league.
  • Puneri Paltan: Towards the latter part of his PKL career, he was associated with the Puneri Paltan franchise as a senior player and mentor figure.

Playing style

Anup Kumar was primarily a raider known for his patience, balance, and ability to read defenders. The toe-touch was a signature move in his raiding repertoire, complemented by hand touches and quick escapes. As captain, he was noted for his calm demeanour, tactical use of "do-or-die" raids, and his role in steadying younger players in pressure situations.

Awards and recognition

  • Arjuna Award (2012), conferred by the Government of India for outstanding achievement in kabaddi.
  • Honoured by the Government of Haryana with cash awards and the police service appointment for his contributions to Indian sport.

Significance

Anup Kumar is considered one of the faces of modern Indian kabaddi. His leadership coincided with the sport's transition from a traditional rural game to a televised, franchise-based league with a national following. His success at the 2014 Asian Games, the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, and in the early seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League helped expand the sport's audience and inspired a new generation of raiders, particularly from Haryana and neighbouring states.