Sanju Devi Biography: Early Life, Domestic Career, Achievements, Social Media and More

Sanju Devi is a kabaddi player from Korba, Chhattisgarh. She is a raider who has become a rising star in Indian women’s kabaddi. She is the first woman kabaddi player from Chhattisgarh to be selected for the Indian national team for the World Cup, making her a historic figure for her state.

Early Kabaddi Career

Sanju Devi grew up in Korba, a city known for its industrial importance in Chhattisgarh. She developed her passion for kabaddi at a young age and worked her way up through local and state-level competitions. Despite coming from a state that is not traditionally known as a kabaddi hub, she worked hard to make her mark in the sport.

Playing Style and Specialty

Sanju is a raider who brings offensive energy to the Indian women’s team. She is skilled at executing raiding techniques and contributing points to her team. Her journey from a relatively less-known kabaddi region to the national team shows her exceptional talent and determination in the sport.

Training and Development

Sanju trains at the Women’s Residential Kabaddi Academy in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, under the guidance of coach Dil Kumar Rathod. This academy has been instrumental in developing her skills and preparing her for international competition. Her training under skilled coaching has helped her reach the national level.

International Breakthrough

In 2025, Sanju made her mark on the international stage when she participated in the 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship held in Tehran, Iran. She was part of the Indian team that won the gold medal in this prestigious Asian event. Her performance in this championship caught the attention of national selectors, leading to her inclusion in the World Cup squad.

Historic Achievement

Sanju Devi’s selection for the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup is a historic moment for Chhattisgarh. She is the first woman kabaddi player from the state to be selected for the Indian national team for a World Cup tournament. After the Asian Championship triumph, she returned to Korba for a brief family visit where she received a grand welcome from her community.

Personal Life

Sanju comes from Korba and has overcome challenges to pursue her passion for kabaddi. Her selection in the national team is a source of pride for her family and her state. She has spent time training in various places including Haryana to improve her skills and prepare for international competitions.

Current Status

Sanju Devi is part of the Indian women’s kabaddi team squad for the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, which will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 17 to 24, 2025. The team is led by captain Ritu Negi with vice-captain Pushpa Rana. The team is being coached by Tejaswini Bai (Head Coach) and Kavita Selvaraj (Assistant Coach). This is a significant opportunity for Sanju to showcase her talent on the world stage and contribute to India’s bid to defend its World Cup title.

Social Media

Sanju maintains an Instagram profile @sanju_09_04_kabaddi where she shares updates about her kabaddi career and training journey.