Dharmaraj Cheralathan Biography: Early and Family Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and Many More
Dharmraj Cheralathan is touted as one of the biggest name in Kabaddi and he contributed big time in defense and ensured that all the franchise he has played over the years win games in crunch phase of the game.
Here in this article we will reveal things about his Personal and Professional Life let us share some of the early information about him to be shared about him in the below format:
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Name | Dharmaraj Cheralathan |
| Height | 175 cm |
| Weight | 80 Kg |
| Date of Birth | 21st April 1975 |
| Birthplace | Thiruchanampondi, Tamil Nadu |
| Brother | D Gopu – Kabaddi Player |
| Role | Defender (Left and Right Corner) |
| Marital Status | Married |
Dharamraj Cheralathan Early, Family Life & Domestic Career :
Dharamraj Cheralathan is born on 21st April 1975 in the Village Tiruchinampoondi In Tamil Nadu, he grew up in farming family, his father Dharamraj Chozghar and Mother name is Rajalakshmi, raised four children including him in busy rigorous life.
In his Initial days, He started working in Farming along with his brother D Gopu, which instilled self belief, agility and discipline on the mat which makes him memorable player.
He is fondly called as “Anna” and possibly one of the legends of the game, despite growing in Poverty he didn’t give up on his dream and made name for himself.
He began playing Kabaddi at the age of 12 years old, at the Sun Paper Valley in Tirunelveli. his breakthrough years in Kabaddi came when he started playing for Sun Paper Valley team at All India departmental competition, and his standout performances for the Job in South Central Railway in Hyderabad turning point which allowed the professional Pursuit in Kabaddi.
His domestic career is spanned across how well he performed via different teams in the mid 1990s where he played for Indian Railways at the National Championships where he was member of team which lifted Gold Medal in 1997.
He was simply exceptional as player and did his pursuit and ultimately making his foray into PKL.
| Father’s Name | Dharamraj Chozghar |
| Mother’s Name | Rajalakshmi |
| Siblings | Four children in the family, including brother D. Gopu (Kabaddi player) |
| Early Life & Work | Worked in farming with brother; developed self-belief, agility, and discipline |
| Nickname | “Anna” – fondly called by fans and peers |
| Kabaddi Start Age | Started playing at 12 years old |
| First Team | Sun Paper Valley, Tirunelveli |
| Breakthrough Moment | Standout performance in All India departmental competition led to a job in South Central Railway, Hyderabad |
| Professional Pursuit | Secured job through Kabaddi; began serious professional Kabaddi journey |
| Domestic Career Highlight | Played for Indian Railways; won Gold Medal at National Championships in 1997 |
| Known For | Grit, resilience despite poverty; became a legendary Kabaddi figure |
| Entry into PKL | Entered Pro Kabaddi League after strong domestic performances |
Dharamraj Cheralathan PKL Achievements:
He made his debut in Pro Kabaddi League first season with Bengaluru Bulls then he played for distinct franchise which include- Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates as their leader later playing for other teams which include- Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers and Tamil Thalaivas.
His versatility could be decoded based on the fact being equally effective in both right and left corners which again made him exceptionally important players in the marquee event.
His signature move which is “Explosive Ankle Hold” gave him possible chance to become one of the Top players in PKL.
His strategic skills, signature move, agility makes him one of the most bankable players in PKL.
In Season 1 he scored 39 Tackle Points with Bengaluru Bulls, In Season 2 he went one notch higher and scored 42 tackle points and Season 4 he was signed by Patna Pirates who entrusted him with captaincy and the man delivered where they won PKL title.
In Season 4, He also topped the chart when it comes to scoring super tackles which is a testament to his performances in the crunch phase of the game.
He also falls in the list of those players who played for close to 7 franchise and him being the oldest players to compete in PKL Season at the age of 43 years old which speaks a volume about his fitness and dedication towards Sport.
He has also represented India, where he was member of that team who lifted Kabaddi National Championship, Southeast Asian Games 2017 and Asian Beach Games 2017 among others also winning Kabaddi World Cup 2016 in Ahmedabad.
His Kabaddi style is marked with his tactical intelligence and astute composure on the mat, and his anticipation on the mat becomes the highest strength to him as player.
His ability to uplift entire team in PKL and coach and brings out the best performance from them made him exceptional leader.
He remains grounded throughout his PKl career, and credits his family and brother D Gopu for his success.
At the age of 50 years old he became beacon for late bloomers for all aspiring defenders which in itself indicate that if you have zeal and knows your craft pretty well you can still do wonders in Kabaddi.
He is a legendary player who grace the mat and played the game with absolute confidence and delivered best performances for all the franchises he played over the years.
🔹 Dharamraj Cheralathan – PKL Career & Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| PKL Debut | Season 1 with Bengaluru Bulls |
| Other Franchises Played For | Telugu Titans, Patna Pirates (Captain), Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Tamil Thalaivas |
| Playing Style | Effective in both Right and Left Corners |
| Signature Move | Explosive Ankle Hold |
| Strengths | Versatility, agility, tactical intelligence, anticipation, composure on the mat |
| Season 1 Performance | Scored 39 Tackle Points with Bengaluru Bulls |
| Season 2 Performance | Scored 42 Tackle Points |
| Season 4 Highlights | Captain of Patna Pirates; led them to PKL Title Win |
| Season 4 Achievement | Topped Super Tackle Chart – showing high performance in pressure situations |
| Leadership & Coaching | Known to uplift teammates and coach with composure and strategy |
| Longevity in PKL | Played for 7 different franchises; competed till age 43, showcasing fitness and dedication |
| National Representation | Represented India; won Kabaddi World Cup 2016, Southeast Asian Games 2017, Asian Beach Games 2017, and Kabaddi National Championship |
| Legacy | Became a beacon for late bloomers; competed even at 50 years of age with continued excellence |
| Personal Values | Remained grounded; credits success to family and brother D. Gopu |
| Impact on Kabaddi | Considered a legend; known for lifting team spirit and consistently delivering across franchises |
His PKL Stats are shared in the below format:
| PKL Season | Matches Played | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Tackle Attempts |
|---|
| Season 1 | 16 | 13 | 39 | 69 |
| Season 2 | 15 | 19 | 42 | 62 |
| Season 3 | 14 | 6 | 31 | 58 |
| Season 4 | 14 | 2 | 39 | 63 |
| Season 5 | 18 | 0 | 25 | 64 |
| Season 6 | 22 | 0 | 40 | 69 |
| Season 7 | 19 | 3 | 43 | 93 |
| Season 8 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 13 |
| Grand Total | 123 | 43 | 261 | 491 |
Dharmaraj Cheralathan Social Media:
Dharmaraj Cheralathan enjoys following on social media where he keeps sharing photos related to his personal and professional life.
On Instagram he enjoys 16.1 K followers where he keep sharing things related to his training too in order to inspire next generation of Kabaddi Players to pick up the sport.
Dharmaraj Cheralathan Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/cheralathan_dharmaraj
Important Questions (FAQ):
Q-1: He made his debut in which Pro Kabaddi League edition and for how many franchise he has played over the years?
Answer: He made his debut in Season 1 with Bengaluru Bulls and played for seven franchise over the years with his last season being PKL 8.
Q-2: What unique record he holds till date in PKL?
Answer: He played last Pro Kabaddi League Season at the age of 43 years old.
Q-3: What his signature move is known as? What is his nickname?
Answer: His signature move is ankle hold and he is known as “Anna”
Q-4: Where we could see next edition of Pro Kabaddi league?
Answer: We could see the next edition of Pro Kabaddi League on Star Sports Channel and the same would be streamed on Jiohotstar app.
Q-5: Why Pro Kabaddi League has grown over the years?
Answer: It has grown on variety of factors which include- Technological innovations
Tweaks in rules and regulations
Level of commentary
Upskilling the Kabaddi skills on the mat.
🔹 Dharmaraj Cheralathan – Social Media & Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Media Activity | Active on Instagram; shares personal, professional, and training-related content |
| Instagram Followers | 16.1K |
| Instagram Profile | @cheralathan_dharmaraj |
| Inspiration | Uses social media to inspire next-generation Kabaddi players |
🔹 Important Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. Debut and Total Franchises Played? | Made his debut in Season 1 with Bengaluru Bulls and played for seven franchises, last being in PKL 8 |
| Q2. Unique PKL Record? | Played his last PKL season at the age of 43 years old |
| Q3. Signature Move and Nickname? | Signature move: Ankle Hold Nickname: Anna |
| Q4. Where to watch next edition of PKL? | Star Sports Channel and JioHotstar App |
| Q5. Reasons for PKL’s Growth? | – Technological innovations – Tweaks in rules and regulations – Quality of commentary – Upskilling on the mat |
He was involved last year as Strategic Coach for Tamil Thalaivas however you see him in commentory and expert prediction when it comes to decoding games live on the mat.
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 might not see him but his performances on the mat would be remembered.
One of true legends of the game have given so much on the Kabaddi mat and deserve to be celebrated.
The Pro Kabaddi League next edition is all set to start from 29th August 2025 where the best teams would compete against each other for the prestigious crown.
The Pro Kabaddi League is becoming bigger and better in times to come and credit should be given to all stakeholders and players from present or past lot to contribute immensely to take this league forward.
