About Anup Kumar – Kabaddi Star Biography

Anup Kumar, an eminent figure in the realm of kabaddi, emerged as a trailblazer with his unparalleled skills and strategic prowess on the mat. Born on November 20, 1983, in Palra, Gurgaon, Haryana, India, Anup carved his niche in the sport with a career marked by exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements. Renowned for his agility and astute raiding techniques, he etched his name in the annals of Indian kabaddi history, leaving an indelible mark as one of the most celebrated players of his generation.

Debuting in the inaugural season of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, Anup Kumar quickly rose to prominence as the captain of U Mumba, leading the team to victory in Season 2 and solidifying his reputation as a strategic mastermind. His accolades extend beyond the PKL arena, with notable recognition such as the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2012 and the esteemed Padma Shri in 2019. Beyond the numbers and accolades, Anup’s impact on the sport transcends statistics, embodying the spirit of a true sportsman and inspiring a new generation of Kabaddi enthusiasts across the country. This article delves into the illustrious career of Anup Kumar, shedding light on the highs, the lows, and the enduring legacy of this Kabaddi luminary.

Anup Kumar — Main Info

Category	Information
Full Name	Anup Kumar
Date of Birth	November 20, 1983
Height	183 cm (6 feet 0 inches)
Place of Birth	Palra, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Religion	Hindu
Position	Raider
Teams Played For	U Mumba (Pro Kabaddi League) Indian National Kabaddi Team
Pro Kabaddi Debut	Season 1 (2014)
Playing Style	Agile raider known for his quick moves
Achievements	Led U Mumba to PKL title in Season 2 Arjuna Award in 2012 Padma Shri in 2019
Retirement	December 2018
Social Media	Instagram: anupkumar_kabaddi Facebook: AnupKumarKabaddi03X (Twitter): IamAnupK

Anup Kumar Biography

Anup Kumar, born on November 20, 1983, is a former Indian Kabaddi player who gained widespread recognition for his exceptional skills and leadership on the Kabaddi mat. Hailing from Palra, Haryana, Anup displayed an early affinity for the sport, and his journey in Kabaddi began to flourish from a young age. Known for his agility, strategic acumen, and quick decision-making on the field, Anup Kumar quickly emerged as one of the most prominent Kabaddi stars in India.

Anup Kumar’s illustrious career saw him represent various franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League, where he became synonymous with the U Mumba team as their captain. His ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates earned him the nickname “Captain Cool” in the Kabaddi circles. Anup’s influence extended beyond his playing prowess, making him a respected figure in the Kabaddi community. His dedication to the sport and his pivotal role in popularizing Kabaddi in India have left an indelible mark on the history of the game, making Anup Kumar a revered figure in Indian sports.

Anup Kumar’s Family

Anup Kumar’s mother and father are named Ballo Devi and Ransingh Yadav, respectively. His father holds the distinguished rank of former Subedar Major in the Indian Army.

Anup Kumar has an elder brother named Rajesh Yadav and two older sisters, one of whom is named Neelam. He is married to Seema, and the couple is blessed with a son named Avi.

Anup Kumar’s Playing Style

Anup Kumar’s playing style was a captivating blend of finesse, agility, and tactical brilliance. Renowned for his expertise in securing bonus points and executing hand and toe touches with precision, he earned the esteemed title of ‘Bonus ka Badshah’ (King of Bonus Points). Beyond his exceptional skills, Anup’s composed demeanor both on and off the Kabaddi mat led to the endearing nickname ‘Captain Cool.’ This moniker aptly captured his leadership qualities and unwavering sportsmanship.

Despite a subtle decline in performance towards the latter part of his career, Anup Kumar remains widely revered as one of the paramount captains in the annals of Indian Kabaddi. His impact on the sport, marked by strategic acumen and a remarkable on-field presence, solidified his legacy as a kabaddi icon in India.

Anup Kumar Kabaddi’s Career

Anup Kumar’s tryst with kabaddi began casually during his schooldays, initially treating it as a pastime activity. However, it was after completing his basic education that his journey in the sport took a more serious turn. In 2005, he joined the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where the notion of pursuing kabaddi at a professional level began to crystallize. The pivotal figure in this transition was Amarsingh Yadav, the coach of the CRPF Kabaddi team, who recognized Anup’s potential and played a crucial role in providing him with opportunities.

The turning point came when Anup Kumar had the chance to interact with the Indian Kabaddi camp in 2005. His skills and inherent talent left a lasting impression on those he encountered. Notably, Anup’s journey in Kabaddi was also influenced by his upbringing in Haryana, where he initially played the sport in his spare time at school, showcasing a penchant for evading guards while engaging in activities like stealing honey from beehives with friends.

At the age of 17, Anup Kumar decided to take Kabaddi more seriously, participating in tournaments and catching the eye of Amar Singh Yadav during one such competition. Subsequently, in 2005, he not only joined CRPF as a constable but also secured a spot on the Delhi Kabaddi team, marking the beginning of his professional Kabaddi career.

International Career

Unlike many other athletes, Anup Kumar first played for the Indian national team and then moved to the PKL.

In his international career, he achieved the following results: 

• Early International Success: Anup Kumar’s international career took off at the 2006 South Asian Games in Sri Lanka.
• Golden Debut: He made a memorable debut at the 2010 Asian Games, securing a gold medal for India.
• Double Gold Triumph: Anup clinched gold at both the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, with the latter featuring a closely contested final against Iran.
• Defining Moment: The 2014 Incheon Asian Games final against Iran showcased Anup’s nerve and leadership as he held on to a slim lead to secure the gold medal.
• South Asian Games Glory: Anup Kumar extended his golden run with another medal at the 2016 South Asian Games.
• World Cup Victory: Anup Kumar, aptly dubbed ‘Captain Cool,’ led the Indian national Kabaddi team to a historic third Kabaddi World Cup victory in 2016.
• Consistent International Success: Anup Kumar’s contributions weren’t limited to club-level Kabaddi; he also captained the Indian national team to gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and the 2016 South Asian Games.
• Nervous Triumph: Anup Kumar recalled a nerve-wracking moment in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games final, highlighting the pressure and eventual success of securing the gold medal against Iran.
• Global Leadership: As the captain of the Indian Kabaddi team, Anup Kumar showcased his leadership prowess, bringing unparalleled victories on the international stage.

Pro Kabaddi League

The turning point for Kabaddi and its players arrived in 2014 with the inception of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). This ancient Indian sport gained a newfound allure, drawing large crowds to indoor stadiums and propelling Kabaddi into the realm of fame. Anup Kumar played a pivotal role in this transformation, becoming a prominent figure in the league.

In the inaugural season of PKL, Anup Kumar not only won the Most Valuable Player award but also led his team, U Mumba, to the runners-up position. The following year saw a step further, with U Mumba clinching the championship title under his leadership. The team’s success persisted, reaching the finals in the third season. Anup’s raiding prowess in the league is unparalleled, accumulating over 377 raid points from 938 raids, establishing him as the best raider in the league.

Beyond the sporting arena, Anup Kumar’s popularity translated into financial success, making him one of the highest-paid Kabaddi players in the country. Despite a decorated career, the elusive Kabaddi World Cup title became a reality in 2016 under Anup’s captaincy, marking a significant milestone. His journey from evading orchard watchmen in local fields to evading defenders on the global stage is a testament to his remarkable evolution in the sport.

Anup Kumar’s influence extends beyond the playing field; he serves as a brand ambassador for Kabaddi, recognizing the weight of this responsibility. His career is a prime example of dreams fulfilled through a blend of hard work, determination, and talent, inspiring aspiring Kabaddi players and highlighting the transformative power of dedication to one’s craft.

Coaching Career

Anup Kumar made a significant transition from his illustrious playing career to coaching in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). His retirement from professional play occurred in the middle of season 6 in 2018, coinciding with his appointment as the captain of the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Following his retirement, Anup Kumar took on a coaching role, becoming the coach for Puneri Paltan in the subsequent season (2019).

Under Anup Kumar’s coaching, Puneri Paltan experienced mixed results. While they finished 10th in season 7, the team showed improvement in the following season by qualifying for the playoffs. However, in June 2022, BC Ramesh took over as the head coach of Puneri Paltan, replacing Anup Kumar.

Although Anup Kumar transitioned away from coaching, his continued involvement with Kabaddi remained evident. He was seen in the commentary box during PKL season 9, providing expert insights in Hindi for the official broadcaster. Despite his absence from coaching and commentary in the current season, Anup Kumar’s impact on the sport, both as a player and coach, continues to be acknowledged within the Kabaddi community.

Academy Ownership

In February 2021, Anup Kumar started his Kabaddi Academy. It is called Future Fighters Kabaddi Academy.

Kumar himself is involved in training young athletes. The academy accepts children aged 10 to 17 years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anup Kumar’s biography encapsulates a remarkable journey from the humble beginnings of playing Kabaddi in local fields in Haryana to becoming an iconic figure in the sport at both the national and international levels. His legacy is etched not only in his achievements as a skilled raider but also in his captaincy, leading the Indian national Kabaddi team to historic victories and guiding franchises to success in the Pro Kabaddi League. Beyond the accolades, Anup Kumar’s transition from a seasoned player to a coach and commentator demonstrates his commitment to the sport’s growth and his willingness to contribute to its evolution.

Anup Kumar’s story is not just about records and triumphs but also a testament to the transformative power of dedication, hard work, and passion for one’s craft. His influence extends beyond the Kabaddi mat, inspiring aspiring players, and his strategic insights continue to enrich the sport’s narrative. As a player, captain, coach, and commentator, Anup Kumar has left an indelible mark on Kabaddi, ensuring that his impact resonates in the hearts of fans and the annals of Indian sports history.

Anup Kumar & Manjeet Chhillar Look Back At Their Careers Video

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