Dadaso Pujari: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Dadaso Pujari stands as a shining example of Maharashtra’s rich kabaddi tradition. Born on August 2, 2004, in Kolhapur, this talented defender has already achieved remarkable success at just 21 years old. His journey from local kabaddi grounds to becoming a Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 champion with Puneri Paltan showcases dedication and skill that has made him one of India’s promising young kabaddi players. Moreover, his participation in prestigious tournaments like Khelo India Youth Games and Junior National Championships highlights his consistent performance across different levels of competition.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Dadaso Shivaji Pujari |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 2004 |
| Position | Right Corner Defender |
| Hometown | Shiroli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
| PKL Debut | Season 10 (Puneri Paltan) |
| Major Achievement | PKL Season 10 Champion |
| Father’s Name | Shivaji Pujari (Farmer) |
| Mother’s Name | Maya Pujari |
| @dadaso_pujari_77 |
Early Life & Family
Dadaso Pujari was born into a farming family in Shiroli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. His father, Shivaji, works as a farmer while his mother, Maya, manages their household. He has two younger sisters, Durgeshwari and Lakshmi, who do not participate in kabaddi.
Growing up in Kolhapur, a region known for its strong kabaddi culture, Dadaso Pujari was naturally drawn to the sport. He started playing kabaddi at the age of 12, inspired by watching his close friends and acquaintances actively participate in the game. This early exposure to kabaddi in his hometown environment helped shape his understanding of the sport’s fundamentals.
His educational background includes completing his studies up to the 12th standard. Besides kabaddi, Dadaso Pujari enjoys playing cricket during his free time. The support from his farming family has been crucial in his sports journey, allowing him to focus on developing his kabaddi skills from a young age.
Domestic Career
Dadaso Pujari’s domestic career showcases consistent performance across various levels of competition. His specialization as a right corner defender has been his strength throughout his journey. Under the guidance of coach Utham Gavde at Yuva Paltan, he developed his signature technique of executing precise ankle holds to effectively stop opposing raiders.
His participation in the 48th Junior National Kabaddi Championship in 2022 was a significant milestone in his domestic career. The championship held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, from November 17-20, 2022, saw Maharashtra’s team compete strongly in the tournament. Although Maharashtra faced tough competition from teams like Rajasthan and Haryana, Dadaso’s participation helped him gain valuable experience at the national level.
Dadaso Pujari has also been a consistent performer in the Khelo India Youth Games. In the 2023 edition held in Madhya Pradesh, he represented Maharashtra alongside teammate Vaibhav Rabade. The team faced Rajasthan in a closely contested match that ended 28-27 in favor of Rajasthan. Despite the narrow defeat, his performance caught the attention of scouts and coaches.
His role as captain of the Kolhapur District team in the KMP YKS (Kabaddi Maharashtra Premier – Yuva Kabaddi Series) demonstrates his leadership qualities. Leading Kolhapur in both 2023 and 2024 editions, he has shown consistent performance in regional competitions.
PKL Journey
Dadaso Pujari’s professional kabaddi career began when he joined Puneri Paltan for PKL Season 10 in 2023-24. His inclusion in the team proved to be a perfect match as he became part of the squad that would create history by winning Puneri Paltan’s first-ever PKL title.
PKL Statistics
| Season | Team | Matches Played | Tackle Points | Raid Points | Total Points |
| Season 10 (2023-24) | Puneri Paltan | 5 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Season 11 (2024) | Puneri Paltan | 9 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Season 12 (2025) | Puneri Paltan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Overall | 16 | 20 | 0 | 20 |
The young defender has been retained by Puneri Paltan as a Retained Young Player (RYP) for multiple seasons, showing the franchise’s confidence in his abilities. His tackle strike rate of 50% in Season 12 demonstrates his effectiveness as a defender despite limited playing time.
In Season 11, Dadaso Pujari made notable contributions during crucial matches. Against Gujarat Giants, he scored 4 tackle points in a thrilling encounter where Puneri Paltan won 34-33. His defensive skills were particularly evident as he helped secure important points for his team in tight situations.
Achievements
Dadaso Pujari’s achievements span across multiple levels of kabaddi competition:
Professional Achievements:
- PKL Season 10 Champion with Puneri Paltan (2023-24)
- Retained player for PKL Seasons 11 and 12
National Level Achievements:
- 2x Khelo India Youth Games participant
- Khelo India Scholar under the government’s elite athlete development program
- 48th Junior National Kabaddi Championship participant representing Maharashtra
Regional and State Achievements:
- Captain of Kolhapur District team in KMP YKS 2023 and 2024
- University level kabaddi competitions participant
- Maharashtra state team representation in various age categories
Recognition:
- Listed as a professional player highlighting his status in Indian kabaddi
- Featured athlete in various kabaddi tournaments and leagues
His achievement as PKL Season 10 champion with Puneri Paltan stands as the highlight of his career so far. The final victory against Haryana Steelers with a scoreline of 28-25 was a historic moment for both Dadaso and the franchise.
Social Media and More
Dadaso Pujari maintains an active presence on Instagram with the handle @dadaso_pujari_77. His social media bio proudly displays his achievements, including hashtags like professionalplayer, #2xkheloindia youth Games, #48thJr.National, and PKL 10 Champion with the Puneri Paltan lion emoji.
His Instagram content includes workout videos, team celebrations, and glimpses from his kabaddi journey. Posts about his gym training show his dedication to fitness with captions like “KEEP PUSHING FORWARD”. His social media also features moments from matches, team bonding sessions, and achievements.
The defender frequently shares content related to his team Puneri Paltan and celebrates victories with his teammates. His posts about the PKL Season 10 championship victory generated significant engagement from kabaddi fans across the country. Additionally, he shares moments with his family, particularly highlighting his connection to his hometown Kolhapur.
He also maintains connections with Shivray Krida Mandal, a local sports club that likely played a role in his early development. His social media presence helps promote kabaddi among younger audiences and provides inspiration to aspiring players from rural Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Dadaso Shivaji Pujari’s journey from the kabaddi grounds of Kolhapur to becoming a PKL champion represents the dreams of countless young athletes across Maharashtra. At just 21 years old, his achievements in professional kabaddi, combined with his performances in Khelo India Youth Games and Junior National Championships, establish him as one of India’s most promising young defenders.
His role as a right corner defender for Puneri Paltan has proven valuable, contributing to the team’s historic PKL Season 10 victory. The franchise’s decision to retain him for multiple seasons reflects their belief in his potential for future growth. His leadership experience as captain of Kolhapur District team in regional competitions also demonstrates his ability to guide and inspire teammates.
The support system provided by his farming family in Kolhapur, combined with proper coaching and opportunities through government initiatives like Khelo India, has helped create a success story that inspires young kabaddi players across rural India. His social media presence further amplifies his influence, making him a role model for aspiring athletes who dream of representing their state and country in kabaddi competitions.
