Jayesh Mahajan: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Jayesh Vikas Mahajan represents the promising young talent of Indian kabaddi, making his mark as a skilled left corner defender in the Pro Kabaddi League. Born on July 30, 2004, in Deogaon Village, Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, the 20-year-old, Jayesh Mahajan has already secured his position with UP Yoddhas in PKL Season 11. His journey from rural Maharashtra to professional kabaddi shows the dedication and hard work that defines successful athletes in India.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jayesh Vikas Mahajan |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 2004 |
| Age | 20 years |
| Place of Birth | Deogaon Village, Jalgaon District, Maharashtra |
| Father Name | Vikas Dayaram Mahajan (Cotton Farmer) |
| Mother Name | Vaishali Vikas Mahajan (Homemaker) |
| Sibling | Elder Sister (Statistics Graduate) |
| Position | Left Corner Defender |
| Current Team | UP Yoddhas |
| Education | First Year B.Sc. |
| Coach/Mentor | Yogesh Bari, Kamlesh Patil, Dadaso Awad |
| Favorite Player | Girish Ernak |
| Achievements | Bronze Medal – Khelo India U18 (2022, 2023), Junior National 2024 |
| PKL Debut Season | Season 11 (2024) |
Early Life & Family
Jayesh Vikas Mahajan was born into a farming family in Deogaon Village, located in Jalgaon District of Maharashtra. His father, Vikas Dayaram Mahajan, works as a cotton farmer, while his mother, Vaishali Vikas Mahajan, is a devoted homemaker. Additionally, he has an elder sister who has completed her graduation in Statistics and is now married.
Growing up in a rural setting, Jayesh Mahajan developed his passion for kabaddi from an early age. He began his kabaddi journey when he was just 10 years old, showing natural talent for the sport. Furthermore, his family provided him with the support he needed to pursue his sporting dreams while maintaining his education.
The young defender draws inspiration from his supportive family, who encouraged him to balance both sports and studies. Currently, Jayesh Mahajan is pursuing his first year of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), showing his commitment to education alongside his sporting career.
Domestic Career
Jayesh Mahajan’s domestic career began with proper training at the Baramati Sport Academy, where he learned the fundamentals of kabaddi. Under the guidance of experienced coaches like Yogesh Bari, Kamlesh Patil, and Dadaso Awad, he developed his skills as a defender. These mentors helped him understand the technical aspects of kabaddi and shaped his playing style.
His favorite player, Girish Ernak, known for exceptional corner-to-corner dash skills, serves as a source of inspiration for his own gameplay. This influence helped Jayesh Mahajan develop his specialty as a formidable right corner defender during his domestic career.
The young player achieved significant success in domestic competitions before joining professional kabaddi. Notably, he won bronze medals in the Khelo India U18 tournaments in both 2022 and 2023.
His crowning moment in domestic kabaddi came during the Junior National championship in 2024, where he showed exceptional performance. In this tournament, he scored six crucial tackle points against strong opponents, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
PKL Journey
Jayesh Mahajan made his Pro Kabaddi League debut in Season 11 (2024) with UP Yoddhas as a left corner defender. He wears jersey number 17 for the team and was selected as an existing New Young Player (NYP). His selection came through UP Yoddhas’ strategy to develop young talent alongside experienced players.
During his debut PKL season, Jayesh Mahajan played 1 match for UP Yoddhas. He scored a total of 2 points in this match, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts. His tackle strike rate was 67%, while his raid strike rate remained at 0%.
The young defender adapted 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 Jayesh Mahajan with the platform to showcase his defensive 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 |
| Season 11 (2024) | UP Yoddhas | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Achievements
Jayesh Mahajan’s achievements at such a young age reflect his potential in professional kabaddi. His selection for UP Yoddhas in PKL Season 11 represents a major milestone for any young player. Moreover, successfully playing in a PKL match shows his readiness for professional competition.
His bronze medals in Khelo India U18 tournaments in 2022 and 2023 highlight his consistent performance at the national youth level. These achievements helped establish his reputation as a skilled defender before entering professional leagues. Additionally, his excellent performance in Junior National 2024 showed his growth as a player.
The young defender’s ability to maintain a 67% tackle strike rate in his PKL debut demonstrates his defensive skills. This statistic shows his effectiveness in stopping opposing raiders and contributing to team success.
His rapid progression from village-level kabaddi to professional leagues within a few years shows his dedication and natural talent for the sport. Furthermore, his achievements inspire other young players from rural Maharashtra to pursue kabaddi professionally while continuing their education.
Conclusion
Jayesh Vikas Mahajan’s journey from Deogaon Village in Maharashtra to the Pro Kabaddi League exemplifies the opportunities available to talented young athletes in rural India. At just 20 years old, he has successfully transitioned from domestic competitions to professional kabaddi, proving his skill and determination. His performance with UP Yoddhas in PKL Season 11 established him as a promising defender to watch in future seasons.
With his strong foundation in domestic competitions and successful entry into PKL, Jayesh Mahajan 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 and family values.
