Sandeep Narwal: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Sandeep Narwal stands as one of India’s most successful all-rounder kabaddi players and a true champion of the sport. Born in Sonepat, Haryana, this powerful athlete has made his mark in both the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and international competitions. His signature blocking technique and all-round skills have earned him the nickname “The Beast”.
Sandeep Narwal’s journey from playing kabaddi at age eight to becoming an Arjuna Award winner shows his dedication to the sport. Additionally, his role in India’s 2016 Kabaddi World Cup victory and multiple international gold medals has established him as a legend. Furthermore, his consistent performance across nine PKL seasons has made him one of the most experienced players in the league’s history.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sandeep Narwal |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Kathura Village, Sonepat, Haryana, India |
| Village | Sonepat, Haryana |
| Position | All Rounder |
| PKL Debut | Season 1 (2014) |
| Signature Move | Block |
| National Team | India (2016-2018) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Current Job | Income Tax Inspector |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Awards | Arjuna Award (2021), Bhim Award |
Early Life & Family
Sandeep Narwal was born on April 5, 1993, in Kathura Village, Sonepat, Haryana, India. His family has strong sporting traditions, with his father Dilbag Narwal being a former kabaddi player who represented India at the Asian Games. Additionally, his father’s experience and guidance played a crucial role in shaping Sandeep’s early kabaddi career.
Growing up in Sonepat, a region famous for producing great wrestlers and kabaddi players, Sandeep Narwal was naturally drawn to sports. Moreover, his family provided full support for his sporting ambitions from a young age. His father’s international experience in kabaddi became a source of inspiration for young Sandeep.
Sandeep Narwal has two younger brothers named Sonu and Ravinder Narwal. Furthermore, his family understood the importance of sports in his life and supported his decision to pursue kabaddi professionally. The village Khap Panchayat even decided unanimously that Sandeep should focus on sports rather than just studies, recognizing his exceptional talent.
He completed his schooling at Government Senior Secondary School, Kathura, Sonepat, Haryana. Later, he also attended Delhi Public School, Dwarka, New Delhi, and pursued his graduation from the University of Delhi. Additionally, his educational journey helped him develop both academically and athletically.
Domestic Career
Sandeep Narwal started playing kabaddi at the young age of eight years. Initially, he showed exceptional talent at the junior level, winning numerous medals for his school in district and state competitions. His all-round ability to both raid and defend made him stand out from other players.
His domestic career gained momentum when he was selected for the Haryana state team after excelling at school level competitions. Through consistent performances, he earned recognition at the U-14, U-17, and U-19 levels. Furthermore, his talent caught the attention of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which selected him for advanced training.
In 2010, Sandeep Narwal was sent to Gandhinagar for specialized training under coach Jaiveer Sharma. This training helped polish his skills and corrected his technical mistakes. Additionally, he was also coached by Jagdish Narwal, who had represented India in Asian Games.
His breakthrough came in 2011 when he was selected to represent India at the Junior Asiads. Moreover, in 2013, he played Senior Nationals for Haryana, which paved his way to the national team. His performances in domestic tournaments established him as a promising all-rounder ready for professional kabaddi.
PKL Journey
Sandeep Narwal began his PKL career with Patna Pirates in Season 1 (2014). In his debut season, he made an incredible impact by scoring 119 points in 16 matches, making him the second-best all-rounder of the inaugural season. His performance immediately established him as one of the top players in the league.
Season 2 saw Sandeep Narwal taking on the captaincy role for Patna Pirates. Under his leadership, the team reached the semi-finals, and he contributed 78 points in 18 matches.
The most successful period of his PKL career came in Season 3 with Patna Pirates. He scored 73 points in 14 matches and was awarded the “Best Defender of the Tournament” for his 53 successful tackles and six High-5s. Additionally, Patna Pirates won their first PKL title that season, with Sandeep playing a vital role.
In Season 4, Sandeep Narwal moved to Telugu Titans and played 21 matches, scoring 85 points. His versatility as an all-rounder helped the team in both attack and defense. Furthermore, his experience and skills made him a valuable asset for the Telugu Titans squad.
Season 5 marked another significant move as Puneri Paltan acquired him for Rs. 72.6 lakhs. He justified the investment by scoring 85 points in 21 matches. Additionally, he was retained by Puneri Paltan for Season 6, where he scored 66 points in 18 matches.
In Season 7, U Mumba bought Sandeep for Rs. 89 lakhs, making him one of the most expensive players. He played 24 matches and scored 76 points while partnering with Iran’s Fazel Atrachali. Moreover, he was selected as the vice-captain of the team.
Season 8 saw him joining Dabang Delhi KC for Rs. 60 lakhs. Then, in Season 9, he moved to UP Yoddhas and played 7 matches, scoring 22 points.
PKL Season-wise Performance:
| Season | Team | Matches | Total Points |
| 1 | Patna Pirates | 16 | 119 |
| 2 | Patna Pirates | 18 | 78 |
| 3 | Patna Pirates | 14 | 73 |
| 4 | Telugu Titans | 21 | 85 |
| 5 | Puneri Paltan | 21 | 85 |
| 6 | Puneri Paltan | 18 | 66 |
| 7 | U Mumba | 24 | 76 |
| 9 | UP Yoddhas | 7 | 22 |
| Overall | 156 | 645 |
Achievements
Sandeep Narwal’s achievement list includes numerous honors at both domestic and international levels. His contributions to Indian kabaddi have been recognized through prestigious awards and medals.
International Achievements:
- Gold Medal – 2016 Kabaddi World Cup
- Gold Medal – 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship
- Gold Medal – 2018 Dubai Kabaddi Masters
- Gold Medal – 2016 South Asian Games
- Bronze Medal – 2018 Asian Games
PKL Individual Awards:
- Best Defender of Tournament – Season 3
- Second Best All-Rounder – Season 1 (119 points)
- PKL Season 3 Champion with Patna Pirates
National Awards:
- Arjuna Award 2021
- Bhim Award
Sandeep was a crucial member of the Indian national team from 2016 to 2018. He made his international debut at the 2016 Asian Beach Games where India won silver. Moreover, he was part of the Indian team that defeated Iran in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup final after nine years.
His signature blocking technique became his trademark move throughout his career. Additionally, his ability to score points both in raids and tackles made him one of the most valuable all-rounders in PKL history.
Currently, Sandeep works as an Income Tax Inspector in Delhi, which provides him stability beyond his sporting career. Furthermore, he was recognized as the 37th kabaddi player to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Social Media and More
Sandeep Narwal maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. His official Instagram handle @sandeep_narwal_1010 reflects his professional kabaddi career.
His social media presence showcases his achievements and personal life, including his love for his family. Additionally, he often shares updates about his training sessions and professional commitments.
Beyond kabaddi, Sandeep has interesting hobbies and preferences. He loves playing volleyball and has admitted that he can skip meals but not volleyball. Moreover, his love for volleyball is sometimes even greater than kabaddi, as he plays kabaddi professionally but enjoys volleyball recreationally.
Sandeep is an avid dog lover and has two pet dogs. Furthermore, he often shares pictures of his pets on social media platforms. His fitness routine includes regular gym sessions, and he frequently posts about his workout sessions.
In February 2020, Sandeep got married and now has two sons. Additionally, his family remains his biggest support system throughout his sporting career. His favorite actor is Abhishek Bachchan, and he owns a Thar car and a tractor.
Conclusion
Sandeep Narwal’s journey from an eight-year-old boy playing kabaddi in Sonepat to becoming an Arjuna Award winner is truly inspiring. His nine-season PKL career showcased remarkable consistency and versatility as an all-rounder. Furthermore, his best season in PKL Season 1 with 119 points remains one of the most impressive debuts in league history.
Throughout his career, Sandeep has proven his worth both as a defender and raider, earning the nickname “The Beast” for his physical strength and aggressive style. His role in India’s golden period from 2016-2018, including the Kabaddi World Cup victory, will always be remembered.
His achievements extend beyond the kabaddi mat, as his successful dual career as an Income Tax Inspector and professional kabaddi player shows his dedication to both service and sport. Moreover, his receipt of the Arjuna Award in 2021 recognized his outstanding contributions to Indian kabaddi.
Today, Sandeep Narwal continues to inspire young kabaddi players through his achievements and humble personality. His legacy as one of the most successful all-rounders in PKL history and his contributions to India’s international kabaddi success will continue to motivate future generations of kabaddi players.
