Anup Kumar Biography: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
There are few players when they grace the mat, they do not only inspire their own team, opponents but they extend their wings beyond normal territories where they inspire next generation of Kabaddi Players to play this sport professionally.
One player which ticks all these boxes is none other than Kabaddi Legend “Anup Kumar” also known as “Bonus King” and “Captain Cool” with his ability to steal points via bonus method also the way he conducts himself in the mat and his leadership tactics is one of the best reasons why he stays at the Top.
Here in this article we will reveal Anup Kumar Career across domestic and PKL achievements but before that let’s share his information in tabular format:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Anup Kumar |
| Nickname | Bonus King |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Weight | 80 Kg |
| International Debut | South Asian Games 2006 |
| International Retirement | 2018 |
| Position | Raider |
| Date of Birth | 20th November 1983 |
| Hometown | Palra, Haryana |
| Favorite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
Anup Kumar Early and Domestic Life:
Anup Kumar is born on 20th November 1983 in Palra Haryana, where he was drawn towards Kabaddi during Childhood.
He started playing the game informally during school and local tournaments, and his skills begun to attract attention in teenage years, his journey took a decisive turn when he came under the watchful eyes of Coach Amar Singh Yadav who was also chief Coach of Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) who spotted Anup Kumar brilliant talent while he was playing local tournament in Delhi.
The most surprising fact that he didn’t played School and College level junior games but witnessing his raw talent he was immediately recruited in CRPF team which accelerated his Kabaddi Career.
Gradually he made entry in Delhi senior Nationals Team in the year 2004 when he was only 21 years old that speaks a volume about the Kind of player he is going to become in times to come.
This pivotal opportunity marked beginning of his Kabaddi Career.
He is married to Sandeep Rana where he keep sharing photos of his family on social media.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Date of Birth | 20th November 1983 |
| Birthplace | Palra, Haryana |
| Early Interest in Kabaddi | Started playing informally during school and local tournaments |
| Discovered By | Coach Amar Singh Yadav (Chief Coach, CRPF) |
| Unique Fact | Did not play school/college-level junior games |
| Major Breakthrough | Selected for CRPF team after being spotted in a local Delhi tournament |
| Delhi Senior Nationals Debut | Year 2004 at age 21 |
| Turning Point in Career | Selection in CRPF and Delhi senior team accelerated his Kabaddi journey |
| Marital Status | Married to Sandeep Rana |
| Social Media Activity | Shares family photos on social media |
PKL Achievements, Journey and Indian Team:
Anup Kumar playing style combined with tactical intelligence with a wide range in raiding skils and his ability to Toe touch and score bonus for his team especially in the crunch scenarios makes him one of the most bankable raider in PKL.
He was rewarded for his brilliant bonus points where he was named by Commentator as “Bonus King” .
His cool and calm approach in the game gave him another name “Captain Cool” where he was able to lead entire team and taking brilliant decision in the tactical approach in the game.
He is rewarded for his sportsmanship’s, tactical intelligence and nature of his game where he won most games for franchise and Indian team.
He has been part of Pro Kabaddi League from Inaugural editions where he led U Mumba and led them towards three successive finals till Season 3 where he won title in 2nd season with the franchise.
In Season 1 his performance was exceptional where he scored 153 raid points in 16 matches where he was conferred the Most Valuable Player Award.
He is the only captain in PKL history to ensure that any franchise reaches towards three back to back finals it speaks a volume about the Kind of leader he has been in Pro Kabaddi League arena.
Later he Joined Jaipur Pink Panthers and across his PKL Career he scored 307 Successful raids and 30 tackles gave him Kabaddi legend status.
He was also conferred Arjuna Award in the year 2012 for his brilliant contribution in the sport and inspiring next generation of Kabaddi Players to pick up this sport.
He was respected not just as player but for humility and based on how he conducted himself over the years.
He announced his retirement as Kabaddi Player on 19th December 2018, ending his glittering career that lasted a decade.
He described his Journey ” When I started playing Kabaddi it was like Hobby and became the most important part of my life. The day I started playing this sport professionally, I had one dream- To represent my country and bring back gold medal. I am one of the very few players who got an opportunity to represent my country and fulfil my long accomplished dream”.
Post his retirement he has given back to the Sport as coach in the form of his own academy “Freedom Fighters Kabaddi Academy” based in Guragaon, Haryana where he teaches player the nuances of Kabaddi.
He has been part of several PKL franchise coaching staff over the years including the latest one where is currently guiding Patna Pirates as Coach for PKL 12 and he is keenly looking to win title for them.
He said in an exclusive conversation with us “We are coming for trophy” indicating that Patna Pirates ended PKL 11 as runner up so they would be keenly looking to change the fate going forward.
He has been member of Indian National Kabaddi team who won Gold medal in 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and won gold medal in 2016 Kabaddi world cup winning team as Captain in 2016.
He has taken up coaching roles for distinct PKL franchise over the years which include- Puneri Paltan then making transition to Patna Pirates.
He has also served as Deputy Commissioner in Haryana Police.
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Playing Style | Tactical intelligence, versatile raiding skills, known for bonus points and toe touches |
| Nicknames | Bonus King, Captain Cool |
| PKL Debut | Inaugural Season (2014) |
| Franchise (Main) | U Mumba |
| PKL Achievements | Led U Mumba to 3 consecutive finals (Season 1–3); Champion in Season 2 |
| Season 1 Performance | 153 Raid Points in 16 matches; awarded Most Valuable Player |
| Unique PKL Record | Only captain to lead a team to 3 back-to-back finals in PKL history |
| Other PKL Franchise | Jaipur Pink Panthers |
| Total PKL Stats | 307 Successful Raids, 30 Tackles |
| Kabaddi Legend Status | Known for leadership, consistency, sportsmanship, and humility |
| International Achievements | Gold – 2010 Asian Games, Gold – 2014 Asian Games, Gold – 2016 Kabaddi World Cup (as Captain) |
| Major Awards | Arjuna Award (2012) |
| Retirement Date | 19th December 2018 |
| Retirement Quote | “I had one dream – to represent my country and bring back gold medal.” |
| Post-Retirement Role | Coach, runs Freedom Fighters Kabaddi Academy, Gurgaon, Haryana |
| Current Coaching Role (PKL 12) | Head Coach, Patna Pirates |
| Past Coaching Role in PKL | Puneri Paltan |
| Coaching Ambition (PKL 12) | “We are coming for trophy” – aiming to win after PKL 11 runner-up finish |
| Other Profession | Deputy Commissioner, Haryana Police |
Anup Kumar Social Media:
His fan following on Social media is immense which include his own personal profile also related to his own academy page.
He keeps sharing things about his personal life, professional journey and miscellaneous achievements in detail.
Anup Kumar have 206K followers on Instagram and on his academy have 11.7k followers page.
Anup Kumar Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/anupkumar_kabaddi
Anup Kumar Academy Page Profile: https://www.instagram.com/futurefighters_kabaddi_academy
Important Questions(FAQ):
Q-1: On which Season which Team Anup Kumar started his Journey in PKL?
Answer: He started his journey in Pro Kabaddi League Season 1 with U Mumba in 2014 where they reached in three consecutive finals and even winning Season 2 as Captain.
Q-2: Which team he has been in Coaching role in PKL?
Answer: He has been associated with Puneri Paltans and Patna Pirates in PKL over the years and currently he is the coach for Patna Pirates Team in PKL 12.
Q-3: What was Patna Pirates results in PKL 11?
Answer: Patna Pirates were ended as runner up in PKL 11 losing the final against Haryana Steelers.
Q-4: As Leader why he is called Captain Cool? What’s is his biggest achievement?
Answer: As leader he is called Captain Cool due to his cool and calm nature. His Biggest achievement came for India where they won World Cup in 2016.
Q-5: Why Anup Kumar is admired in Kabaddi?
Answer: Anup Kumar is admired in Kabaddi due to his classy raiding skills, leaderships and his ability to remain calm and humble makes him one of the most respected athletes in Kabaddi.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1: On which Season which Team Anup Kumar started his Journey in PKL? | He started his journey in Pro Kabaddi League Season 1 with U Mumba in 2014, leading them to three consecutive finals and winning Season 2. |
| Q2: Which team he has been in Coaching role in PKL? | He has been associated with Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates, and is currently the coach of Patna Pirates in PKL 12. |
| Q3: What was Patna Pirates results in PKL 11? | Patna Pirates ended as runner-up in PKL 11, losing the final to Haryana Steelers. |
| Q4: As Leader why he is called Captain Cool? What’s his biggest achievement? | He is called Captain Cool due to his calm demeanor. His biggest achievement is leading India to victory in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. |
| Q5: Why Anup Kumar is admired in Kabaddi? | He is admired for his classy raiding skills, leadership, and humble personality, making him a respected figure in the sport. |
Final Perspective:
When you talk about Anup Kumar one name which comes automatically is “Legend” he deserve credit for the way he has spanned his career first as player and then as Coach and his ability to inspire next generation of Kabaddi Players to take up this sport.
Anup Kumar is admired as coach too where he has played instrumental role towards growth and development of other players for which is referred always.
Anup Kumar’s Journey from playing for CRPF then accelerating to Delhi Nationals team, then reaching to India team and finally making foray into PKL as player and leader makes him one of the best revered stars in Kabaddi.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Widely referred to as a “Legend” in Kabaddi |
| Career Journey | CRPF → Delhi Nationals → Indian National Team → PKL (Player & Leader) |
| Transition | From player to coach, continuing to contribute to the sport |
| Coaching Impact | Admired as a coach for developing and mentoring next-generation Kabaddi players |
| Legacy | Revered for inspiring youth and building the game’s future |
| Overall Contribution | One of the most respected stars in Kabaddi for performance, leadership, and coaching excellence |
Overall PKL have grown over the years but status attained by Anup Kumar is memorable and iconic it would remain considering the way he has played Kabaddi over the years.
The Pro Kabaddi League over the years have become one if the most successful leagues in India and credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.
With technological innovations, tweaks in rules and regulations and quality Kabaddi players in offence and defence to make it look more interesting which makes it look good on Television and the same quality experience on OTT Plaforms.
The Pro Kabaddi League after IPL have become the most talking point is also based on the broadcasting quality which have made live watching experience much better for fans to watch these games either live or on OTT.
The Pro Kabaddi League commentary panel have been brilliant where they have narrated the experiences for fans to watch this game and distinct language commentary makes it even more appealing for fans to understand the popular combat sport.
The skills executed by raiders and defenders is perfectly described in such a high anticipated emotions makes it even more engaging for fans to understand the nuances of the game brilliantly.
The Pro Kabaddi League is one of its Kind tournament which has its own charm, flair and emotions which makes it even more iconic in exponentially years.
