Top 10 Kabaddi Players of All Time – Worldwide

Kabaddi has evolved from a traditional Indian sport to a competitive international game. With the emergence of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and various international tournaments, players from across the globe have showcased remarkable talent. This list highlights the Top 10 Kabaddi Players of All Time, including both Indian legends and international stars who have dominated the sport.

Understanding the “Best Kabaddi Player” Title

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The term best kabaddi player is subjective, combining skill, consistency, records, leadership, and impact on matches.

1. Pardeep Narwal – The Record-Breaking Raider (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Pardeep Narwal
Country	India
Position	Raider
Achievements	Most points in PKL history, 4× PKL MVP, Asian Games Gold

• Nicknamed the “Dubki King”, Pardeep is famous for his diving raids.
• Holds records for most raid points in a single season.
• Renowned for speed, agility, and consistency.

2. Anup Kumar – The Calm Leader (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Anup Kumar
Country	India
Position	Raider / Captain
Achievements	PKL Champion, Asian Games Gold, Best Raider Awards

• Known as Captain Cool for his calm demeanor on the field.
• Led India to multiple victories in PKL and international competitions.
• Renowned for strategic raids and leadership.

3. Manjeet Chhillar – The All-Rounder (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Manjeet Chhillar
Country	India
Position	All-Rounder
Achievements	PKL Champion, Asian Games Gold, MVP Awards

• Famous for versatility, excelling in both raiding and defense.
• Integral in India’s international victories.

4. Ajay Thakur – The Finisher (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Ajay Thakur
Country	India
Position	Raider
Achievements	2016 Kabaddi World Cup Winner, PKL Champion

• Known for stepping up in crucial matches.
• Famous for scoring winning raids in finals.

5. Amirkhossein Esmaeilnejad – The Iranian Star (Iran)

Attribute	Details
Name	Amirkhossein Esmaeilnejad
Country	Iran
Position	Raider
Achievements	Asian Kabaddi Championships Gold, Multiple International Medals

• One of Iran’s top raiders with explosive attacks.
• Recognized globally for speed and technique.
• Played a key role in Iran’s international success.

6. Sayed Khalifa – The Iranian Defender (Iran)

Attribute	Details
Name	Sayed Khalifa
Country	Iran
Position	Defender
Achievements	Asian Games Medals, PKL Participation, Defensive Mastery

• Known as one of world’s best defensive kabaddi players.
• Exceptional tackling ability and game reading.
• Instrumental in defending Iran’s international titles.

7. Jang Kun Lee – The South Korean Sensation (South Korea)

Attribute	Details
Name	Jang Kun Lee
Country	South Korea
Position	Raider
Achievements	Asian Kabaddi Championships Medalist, International PKL Matches

• South Korea’s top raider.
• Known for speed, agility, and international consistency.
• Helped South Korea earn respect in global kabaddi.

8. Mohamed Khalid – The Pakistani Star (Pakistan)

Attribute	Details
Name	Mohamed Khalid
Country	Pakistan
Position	All-Rounder
Achievements	Asian Games Medal, PKL Star Player

• Pakistan’s prominent kabaddi figure.
• Balanced player, strong in both raiding and defense.
• Recognized for international match-winning performances.

9. Kenya Kabaddi Team Captain – Collins Obuya (Kenya)

Attribute	Details
Name	Collins Obuya
Country	Kenya
Position	Raider / Captain
Achievements	African Kabaddi Championships Winner, International Matches

• Leading kabaddi in Africa.
• Known for tactical leadership and quick raids.
• Put Kenyan kabaddi on the international map.

10. Mir Sabbir Hossain – The Bangladeshi Star (Bangladesh)

Attribute	Details
Name	Mir Sabbir Hossain
Country	Bangladesh
Position	Raider
Achievements	South Asian Games Medalist, PKL Appearances

• One of Bangladesh’s most famous kabaddi players.
• Known for strategic raiding and agility.
• Key contributor to Bangladesh’s international success.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Worldwide Kabaddi Players

Player	Country	Position	Achievements	Why Famous
Pardeep Narwal	India	Raider	PKL records, Asian Games Gold	Dubki King, Record Breaker
Anup Kumar	India	Raider/Captain	PKL Champion, Asian Games Gold	Captain Cool, Leadership
Manjeet Chhillar	India	All-Rounder	PKL Champion, MVP Awards	Versatile Performance
Ajay Thakur	India	Raider	Kabaddi WC Winner, PKL Champion	Match Finisher
Amirkhossein Esmaeilnejad	Iran	Raider	Asian Championships Gold	Explosive Attacker
Sayed Khalifa	Iran	Defender	Asian Games Medals	Defensive Master
Jang Kun Lee	South Korea	Raider	Asian Championship Medalist	Fast and Agile
Mohamed Khalid	Pakistan	All-Rounder	Asian Games Medal	Balanced Performance
Collins Obuya	Kenya	Raider/Captain	African Championships Winner	Leadership and Quick Raids
Mir Sabbir Hossain	Bangladesh	Raider	South Asian Games Medalist	Strategic Raiding

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Conclusion

Kabaddi has grown into a truly international sport, with legends emerging from India and countries like Iran, South Korea, Pakistan, Kenya, and Bangladesh. From Pardeep Narwal’s record-breaking raids to Sayed Khalifa’s defensive mastery, these players define excellence. Whether you follow PKL, Asian Games, or international tournaments, these Top 10 Kabaddi Players of All Time – Worldwide have inspired millions and elevated the game on a global scale.

Their legacies continue to motivate young players worldwide, showing that kabaddi is not just a sport, but a demonstration of agility, strategy, and heart.