Chandranaik M: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Chandranaik M, also known as Chandra Manja Naik, is a promising young all-rounder in Indian kabaddi who has made his mark in the Pro Kabaddi League. Born on November 6, 2002, this 22-year-old player from Davangere, Karnataka represents the new generation of kabaddi talent that has emerged in recent years. Currently playing for Bengaluru Bulls in PKL Season 12, Chandranaik M has shown great potential as an all-rounder who can contribute effectively in both attacking and defensive phases of the game.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Chandranaik M (Chandra Manja Naik) |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 2002 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 22 years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Playing Position | All Rounder |
| Current Team (PKL 2025) | Bengaluru Bulls |
| Social Media | @chandranaik___ on Instagram |
| Home Location | Davangere, Karnataka |
Early Life & Family
Chandranaik M was born on November 6, 2002, in Davangere, Karnataka, making him 22 years old as of 2025. Growing up in Karnataka, a state with a rich kabaddi tradition, Chandranaik M was exposed to the sport from an early age. Additionally, he is also a student, as indicated by his social media presence, showing that he has been balancing his education with his kabaddi career.
Davangere, located in central Karnataka, has produced several kabaddi players over the years. The region’s strong kabaddi culture likely played a significant role in shaping Chandranaik M’s early interest in the sport. Furthermore, Karnataka has been one of the leading states in Indian kabaddi, contributing numerous players to the Pro Kabaddi League since its inception.
Moreover, the young all-rounder’s family background and early influences in kabaddi remain largely private, as he prefers to keep his personal life away from the spotlight. However, his dedication to both academics and kabaddi suggests strong family support for his sporting ambitions. In addition, growing up in a state like Karnataka, where kabaddi is deeply rooted in the culture, provided him with ample opportunities to develop his skills at the grassroots level.
Domestic Career
Information about Chandranaik M’s specific domestic career achievements and tournament performances prior to his PKL entry is limited in publicly available sources. However, like most young kabaddi players in India, he likely progressed through various state-level competitions and domestic tournaments before catching the attention of PKL scouts.
Additionally, the domestic kabaddi circuit in Karnataka includes various tournaments such as state championships, district-level competitions, and inter-collegiate tournaments. Furthermore, modern platforms like the Yuva Kabaddi Series have become important stepping stones for young players like Chandranaik M to showcase their talent and earn PKL opportunities.
Moreover, as an all-rounder, Chandranaik M would have needed to demonstrate proficiency in both raiding and defending during his domestic career. This versatility is highly valued in modern kabaddi, as teams look for players who can contribute in multiple aspects of the game. Additionally, his retention by Bengaluru Bulls suggests that he showed promising performances during domestic competitions and training camps.
PKL Journey
Chandranaik M’s Pro Kabaddi League journey began when he joined Bengaluru Bulls as a New Young Player (NYP) for PKL Season 11 in 2024. The New Young Player category is specifically designed to provide opportunities for emerging talent in Indian kabaddi, allowing young players to gain valuable experience at the professional level.
Additionally, as an all-rounder, Chandranaik M brings versatility to the Bengaluru Bulls squad. All-rounders are particularly valuable in modern kabaddi because they can contribute both in attack and defense, providing tactical flexibility to the team management. Furthermore, his ability to switch between raiding and defending makes him a strategic asset for the Bulls.
Achievements
Chandranaik M’s primary achievement to date is being selected and retained by Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League. Additionally, being part of a PKL franchise represents a significant milestone for any young kabaddi player, as the league features the best talent from India and around the world.
Furthermore, Bengaluru Bulls is one of the most successful franchises in PKL history, having won the championship in Season 6 (2018) and finished as runners-up in Season 2 (2015). Being associated with such a prestigious franchise provides young players like Chandranaik M with valuable exposure to high-level competition and professional training environments.
Social Media
Chandranaik M maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where he uses the handle @chandranaik___. His Instagram profile identifies him as an athlete from Davangere and indicates that he is also a student. Additionally, his bio shows connections to media partnerships and his association with Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Furthermore, his social media presence reflects the modern approach of young athletes who use digital platforms to connect with fans and build their personal brand. Moreover, his Instagram account serves as a platform to share updates about his kabaddi career, training sessions, and personal milestones.
Conclusion
Chandranaik M represents the promising future of Indian kabaddi as a young all-rounder who has successfully made the transition from domestic competitions to the professional level. Additionally, at 22 years old, he has already achieved the significant milestone of being retained by Bengaluru Bulls for consecutive PKL seasons, despite the team’s challenging performance in Season 11.
Additionally, the Pro Kabaddi League continues to provide platforms for young Indian players like Chandranaik M to showcase their talent and develop their skills at the highest level. The New Young Player system has been particularly effective in nurturing emerging talent and providing them with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.
Finally, Chandranaik M’s journey from Davangere to the Pro Kabaddi League demonstrates the pathways available for talented young players in Indian kabaddi. His continued development and success will contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of the sport in India and inspire future generations of kabaddi players.
