Bharat Hooda: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Bharat Hooda is a dynamic Indian kabaddi player who has quickly made his mark in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as one of the most exciting all-rounders in the sport. Born on October 30, 2000, in village Kiloi Khas, Rohtak, Haryana, this 24-year-old athlete has become a household name in Indian kabaddi circles. Standing tall at 6 feet, Bharat plays as a left-right raider and has earned recognition for his exceptional skills on the kabaddi mat.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Bharat Hooda (Bharat Naresh) |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Village Kiloi Khas, Rohtak, Haryana |
| Position | All-Rounder (Left-Raider) |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| PKL Debut | Season 8 (2021) |
| Current Team | Telugu Titans (Season 12) |
| Previous Teams | Bengaluru Bulls (Seasons 8-10), UP Yoddhas (Season 11) |
| PKL Career Points | 600+ total points across 4 seasons |
| Best Season | Season 9 – 279 raid points, Best Raider Award |
| National Team | Services team player (2024-25) |
Early Life & Family
Bharat Hooda was born on October 30, 2000, in Village Kiloi Khas, located in the Rohtak district of Haryana. Growing up in a traditional farming family, Bharat’s early years were shaped by the rural culture of Haryana, which has a rich history of producing kabaddi champions. His father’s name is Naresh, while details about his mother remain private. Bharat has an elder sister named Banty Hooda, who has been supportive throughout his kabaddi journey.
His childhood in Rohtak proved to be the perfect foundation for his kabaddi career. Rohtak district has produced many famous kabaddi players and is considered a stronghold of the sport in India. The area’s sporting culture and tradition of kabaddi helped Bharat develop his interest in the game from a very young age.
Bharat Hooda completed his early education at Sheetal Sports Sr. Sec. School in Kiloi, Rohtak. This school played a significant role in nurturing his sporting abilities. During his school years, Bharat actively participated in kabaddi tournaments and began to show exceptional skills as a raider. His coaches and teachers quickly recognized his natural talent for the sport.
The young kabaddi player started playing kabaddi at an early age while studying in school. His dedication to training and natural athletic ability made him stand out among his peers. The supportive environment at home and the strong kabaddi culture in his village helped Bharat develop his skills systematically.
Domestic Career
Bharat Hooda’s domestic kabaddi career began to take shape during his teenage years when he started participating in local and state-level tournaments. His journey in competitive kabaddi started with participation in village-level competitions, where he quickly made his mark as a skilled raider.
One of the most important steps in Bharat Hooda’s development came when he joined the Deepak Niwas Hooda Academy for formal training. This academy, established by the famous kabaddi player Deepak Niwas Hooda, provided Bharat with professional coaching and exposure to advanced techniques. The training at this academy helped him refine his skills and understand the tactical aspects of modern kabaddi.
During his time at the academy, Bharat Hooda trained under experienced coaches who helped him develop his signature moves and raiding techniques. The systematic training program at the academy focused on physical conditioning, technical skills, and mental preparation. This foundation proved crucial for his later success in professional kabaddi.
Bharat Hooda’s domestic achievements include representing the Services team in national competitions. In the recent 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship held in 2025, Bharat was part of the Services squad that won the championship. The star-studded Services team, which included players like Devank Dalal, Rahul Sethpal, Ankit Jaglan, and Jaideep Dahiya, defeated Railways in a thrilling final to claim the gold medal.
His performance in state-level tournaments in Haryana consistently impressed selectors and coaches. Bharat Hooda participated in the Haryana State Senior Kabaddi Championship in 2021, where he secured 20 raid points from three matches, showcasing his effectiveness as a raider. These domestic performances helped him gain recognition and eventually led to his selection for the Pro Kabaddi League.
PKL Journey
Bharat Hooda’s Pro Kabaddi League journey began in Season 8 (2021) when he was signed by Bengaluru Bulls. His entry into the PKL marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable career in professional kabaddi. The coaching staff at Bengaluru Bulls, led by Randhir Singh Sehrawat, immediately recognized his potential and gave him opportunities to develop his game at the highest level.
Season 8 (2021) – The Debut
In his debut season, Bharat Hooda played 23 matches for Bengaluru Bulls and scored 129 total points, with 115 raid points and 14 tackle points. This performance established him as a reliable all-rounder who could contribute both in attack and defense. His raid strike rate of 43% in his first season showed his ability to adapt to the professional level.
Season 9 (2022) – The Breakout Season
Season 9 proved to be Bharat Hooda’s breakout year in the PKL. After Pawan Sehrawat left Bengaluru Bulls to join Tamil Thalaivas, Bharat stepped up to become the team’s primary raider. He delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 279 raid points in 23 matches. This remarkable achievement made him the second-highest raid point scorer in Season 9, just behind Arjun Deshwal who scored 296 points.
His exceptional performance in Season 9 earned him several awards. Bharat Hooda won the ‘Best Raider of the Tournament’ award and received prize money of Rs 15 lakh for his excellent performance. He also achieved 11 super raids during the season, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, he was honored with the Green Band for his exceptional performance and received the ‘Gamechanger of the Match’ title with prize money of Rs 25,000 from Dream 11.
Season 10 (2023-24) – Limited Opportunities
Season 10 saw a significant change in Bharat Hooda’s role and playing time. He appeared in only 18 matches and scored 109 total points, with 103 raid points. This reduced participation was partly due to team strategy and injury concerns. Despite the limited opportunities, Bharat maintained his effectiveness when given chances to play.
Season 11 (2024) – New Team, New Challenges
For Season 11, Bharat moved to UP Yoddhas after being purchased for Rs 1.3 crore in the auction. This significant investment showed the faith the franchise had in his abilities. During his time with UP Yoddhas, he played 23 matches and scored 116 total points. His move to a new team presented different challenges, but Bharat adapted well to the new environment and coaching methods.
Season 12 (2025) – Telugu Titans Chapter
In the most recent PKL auction, Bharat was purchased by Telugu Titans for Rs 81.5 lakh, making him one of the key signings for the franchise. This move to Telugu Titans represents a new chapter in his PKL career, where he will be expected to play a crucial role in the team’s raiding department alongside other experienced players.
Bharat Hooda’s PKL Season-wise Statistics
| Season | Team | Matches Played | Total Points | Raid Points | Tackle Points |
| Season 8 (2021) | Bengaluru Bulls | 23 | 129 | 115 | 14 |
| Season 9 (2022) | Bengaluru Bulls | 23 | 282 | 279 | 3 |
| Season 10 (2023-24) | Bengaluru Bulls | 18 | 109 | 106 | 3 |
| Season 11 (2024) | UP Yoddhas | 23 | 116 | 104 | 12 |
| Overall Stats | – | 87 | 636 | 599 | 37 |
Achievements
Bharat Hooda’s list of achievements reflects his rapid rise in the world of kabaddi. His most significant accomplishment came in PKL Season 9, where he finished as the second-highest raid point scorer with 279 points. This performance earned him the prestigious ‘Best Raider of the Tournament’ award, cementing his status as one of the top raiders in the league.
His achievement of 11 super raids in Season 9 demonstrated his ability to deliver game-changing performances when his team needed them most. The super raids are considered one of the most difficult skills in kabaddi, requiring exceptional technique, timing, and courage to execute successfully against strong defensive units.
Bharat’s recognition with the Green Band during PKL Season 9 highlighted his exceptional performance throughout the tournament. This honor is reserved for players who consistently deliver outstanding performances and show significant improvement in their game.
In domestic competitions, Bharat’s success with the Services team in the 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship represents his ability to perform at the national level. Being part of the championship-winning team alongside established players like Naveen Kumar and Jaideep Dahiya shows his acceptance among India’s top kababdi talent.
His career statistics across all PKL seasons show steady improvement and consistency. With over 555 total points in his PKL career spanning four seasons, Bharat has established himself as a reliable performer. His average of over 12 raid points per match in his peak season demonstrates his effectiveness as a primary raider.
The various awards and recognitions he has received, including the ‘Gamechanger of the Match’ title from Dream 11, reflect his ability to influence match outcomes. These achievements have not only brought him personal recognition but have also increased his market value in the PKL auction system.
Conclusion
Bharat Hooda’s journey from a village in Rohtak to becoming one of the prominent names in Pro Kabaddi League represents the perfect example of talent meeting opportunity. His rise through the ranks, from playing in local tournaments to becoming the second-highest raid point scorer in a PKL season, shows his dedication and natural ability in kabaddi.
At just 24 years old, Bharat has already established himself as a key player in Indian kabaddi. His ability to adapt to different team environments, as shown by his successful transitions between Bengaluru Bulls, UP Yoddhas, and now Telugu Titans, demonstrates his professional approach to the game. The consistent investment by franchises in his services reflects the value he brings to any team.
His domestic success with the Services team in national championships, combined with his PKL achievements, positions him well for potential selection in the Indian national kabaddi team in the future. With several years of competitive kabaddi ahead of him, Bharat Hooda continues to be one of the most exciting talents to watch in Indian kabaddi.
The support from his family, particularly his sister Banty Hooda, and his roots in Haryana’s rich kabaddi culture have provided him with the foundation needed for sustained success. As he enters a new chapter with Telugu Titans, fans and experts alike will be watching to see how this talented all-rounder continues to develop his game and contribute to Indian kabaddi’s bright future.
