Keshav Kumar: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Keshav Bal Krishan Kumar represents the emerging talent of Indian kabaddi, making his mark as a promising right raider from Himachal Pradesh. Born on January 7, 2003, in the small town of Takka, Una, the 22-year-old Keshav Kumar has already secured his place in the Pro Kabaddi League with UP Yoddhas. His journey from college-level competitions to the professional stage showcases the dedication and skill that drives young kabaddi players in India.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Keshav Bal Krishan Kumar |
| Position | Right Raider |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 2003 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Hometown | Takka, Una, Himachal Pradesh |
| Parents | Bal Krishan (Father), Reenarani (Mother) |
| Siblings | Mani and Renuka |
| Education | First Year BA |
| First Coach | Sushil Kumar |
| Current Team | UP Yoddhas |
| PKL Debut Season | Season 11 (2024) |
| Favorite Player | Vishal Bharadwaj |
| Other Sport Interest | Volleyball |
Early Life & Family
Keshav Kumar was born into a supportive family in Takka, Una, a town in Himachal Pradesh. His parents, Bal Krishan and Reenarani, provided him with the foundation that enabled his sports career. Additionally, he has two siblings named Mani and Renuka who have been part of his journey.
The young raider discovered his passion for kabaddi when he was just 17 years old. Growing up in Himachal Pradesh, he was exposed to traditional Indian sports from an early age. Moreover, his family’s support played a crucial role in allowing him to pursue kabaddi seriously while continuing his education.
Currently, Keshav Kumar is pursuing his first year of Bachelor of Arts (BA), balancing his academic responsibilities with his professional kabaddi career. His educational background shows his commitment to maintaining a well-rounded life beyond sports.
Domestic Career
Keshav Kumar’s domestic career began during his college years, where he made significant contributions to university-level competitions. His first coach, Sushil Kumar, guided him through the initial stages of his kabaddi development. Under this mentorship, he learned the fundamentals that would later serve him in professional competitions.
The young raider excelled particularly in university games, showcasing his natural talent for the sport. His performance in college-level tournaments helped him gain recognition among kabaddi scouts and coaches. Consequently, his domestic success opened doors to higher levels of competition.
His specialty lies in toe touch raids and ankle holds, techniques that became his signature moves during domestic competitions. These skills set him apart from other players and caught the attention of professional team scouts. His domestic career served as the perfect stepping stone to the Pro Kabaddi League.
Before joining PKL, Keshav Kumar also participated in the Yuva Kabaddi Series, fulfilling a long-held dream. This platform provided him with valuable exposure to organized competitive kabaddi at a higher level.
PKL Journey
Keshav Kumar made his Pro Kabaddi League debut in Season 11 (2024) with UP Yoddhas. His selection came through the New Young Player (NYP) category, highlighting his potential as an emerging talent. The team recognized his abilities as a right raider and included him in their squad for the season.
During his debut PKL season, Keshav Kumar played 14 matches for UP Yoddhas. He scored a total of 19 points throughout the season, demonstrating steady improvement as the matches progressed. His raid strike rate stood at 40%, while his tackle strike rate reached 50%.
The young raider adapted well to the professional environment of PKL, competing against experienced players from across India and internationally. His performance showed promise for future seasons, as he gained valuable experience playing at the highest level of Indian kabaddi.
UP Yoddhas, based in Noida, provided Keshav Kumar with the platform to showcase his skills to a national audience. The team’s coaching staff worked with him to improve his game and adapt to the fast-paced nature of PKL matches.
| Season | Team | Matches Played | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Total Points Earned |
| Season 11 (2024) | UP Yoddhas | 14 | 18 | 1 | 19 |
Achievements
While Keshav Kumar is still in the early stages of his professional career, his achievements reflect his growing potential in kabaddi. His selection for UP Yoddhas in PKL Season 11 represents a significant milestone for any young player.
His participation in university games, college-level competitions and Yuva Kabaddi Series demonstrates his success in domestic kabaddi before entering professional leagues. These achievements helped establish his reputation as a skilled raider.
Conclusion
Keshav Kumar’s journey from a small town in Himachal Pradesh to the Pro Kabaddi League exemplifies the opportunities available to talented young athletes in India. At just 22 years old, he has successfully transitioned from college competitions to professional kabaddi, proving his dedication and skill. His performance with UP Yoddhas in PKL Season 11 established him as a promising talent to watch in future seasons.
With his strong foundation in domestic competitions and successful debut in PKL, Keshav Kumar represents the bright future of Indian kabaddi. His story encourages young athletes from rural areas to pursue their dreams in professional sports while maintaining their educational commitments.
