Mukilan Shanmugam: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Mukilan Shanmugam stands as a promising young defender from Tamil Nadu who made his way into the Pro Kabaddi League through sheer hard work and dedication. Starting kabaddi at the age of 14 in his hometown of Karur, this 22-year-old left cover defender has shown that talent combined with proper training can open doors to professional kabaddi. His journey from village kabaddi matches to the PKL represents the dreams of countless young players across India.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Mukilan Shanmugam |
| Age | 22 years |
| Nationality | India |
| Hometown | Karur, Tamil Nadu |
| Position | Defender (Left Cover) |
| Current PKL Team | U Mumba |
| PKL Seasons | Season 10, Season 11, Season 12 |
| @mukil_kbd_47 | |
| YKS Team | Palani Tuskers |
Early Life & Family
Mukilan Shanmugam was born and raised in Karur, Tamil Nadu. He started playing kabaddi at the young age of 14 years. During his school days, Mukilan played kabaddi regularly and often participated in matches in his village.
Initially, his family did not support his kabaddi career, but they also did not stop him from playing the sport. However, once Mukilan started competing in tournaments regularly and showcasing his skills on larger platforms, his family began to support his kabaddi journey.
The support from his family became crucial as Mukilan continued to develop his skills in kabaddi. His dedication to the sport during his early years laid the foundation for his future success in professional kabaddi competitions.
Domestic Career
Mukilan Shanmugam’s domestic career began with school-level kabaddi competitions in Tamil Nadu. He participated in local village matches, which helped him understand the basics of the game and develop his defensive skills.
His major breakthrough came when he participated in the All India University Games, where his performance caught the attention of kabaddi scouts. This participation became a stepping stone for his entry into the Yuva Kabaddi Series.
Mukilan made his Yuva Kabaddi Series debut with Palani Tuskers during the Winter Edition 2022. He had an excellent season, earning 59 points from 26 matches with the Tuskers. The team performed well and finished as runners-up in the tournament.
His outstanding performance in the Yuva Kabaddi Series proved to be the turning point in his career. The league gave him the confidence and exposure needed to play at higher levels of competition.
PKL Journey
Mukilan Shanmugami’s PKL journey began after his impressive performance in the Yuva Kabaddi Series. U Mumba management noticed his skills and called him for trials in Mumbai.
The trials took place over two days, with around 250 players from across the country showcasing their skills. Mukilan gave his best performance and was selected as one of the 10 players finalized by the coaches. A few days later, he received a call from U Mumba management asking him to sign a contract with the club.
Mukilan joined U Mumba as a defender and was part of the team for PKL Seasons 10 and 11. During Season 11, he played one match for U Mumba but did not score any points. His role was primarily as a left cover defender.
For PKL Season 12, Mukilan has been retained by U Mumba as a young player. He continues to be part of the squad and works hard to get more playing opportunities in the upcoming season.
| Season | Team | Matches Played | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Total Points |
| Season 10 | U Mumba | 9 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Season 11 | U Mumba | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Overall | – | 10 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Achievements
Mukilan Shanmugami’s biggest achievement came through his performance in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2022. Playing for Palani Tuskers, he scored 59 points from 26 matches, which was an impressive tally for a defender.
His team, Palani Tuskers, finished as runners-up in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2022. This achievement helped him gain recognition from PKL scouts and led to his contract with U Mumba.
Getting selected for U Mumba through the trials process was another major achievement in his career. Out of 250 players who participated in the trials, only 10 were selected, and Mukilan was one of them.
His retention by U Mumba for multiple seasons, including Season 12, shows that the franchise sees potential in his defensive abilities. Being part of a PKL squad for three consecutive seasons is an achievement for any young player.
Mukilan also credits the Yuva Kabaddi Series for helping him land his PKL contract, showing how domestic competitions can provide pathways to professional kabaddi.
Social Media and More
Mukilan Shanmugami maintains his presence on Instagram through his handle @mukil_kbd_47, where fans can follow his kabaddi journey and daily life updates. His social media presence allows followers to get insights into the life of a professional kabaddi player.
Through his Instagram profile, Mukilan shares updates about his training sessions, match preparations, and moments with his U Mumba teammates. His posts often feature behind-the-scenes content from PKL camps and matches.
Mukilan looks up to former U Mumba players Jeeva Kumar and Fazel Atrachali for their style of play. He often mentions how these players have influenced his defensive techniques and approach to the game.
His social media activity helps inspire young kabaddi players from Tamil Nadu who dream of playing in the PKL. Through his posts, followers can see the dedication and hard work required to succeed at the professional level.
Mukilan also uses his platform to promote kabaddi in Tamil Nadu and encourages young players to participate in domestic competitions like the Yuva Kabaddi Series. His story shows how platforms like YKS can help players reach the PKL.
Beyond social media, Mukilan continues to work on improving his defensive skills under the guidance of U Mumba coaches. He participates in training camps and works closely with experienced defenders to enhance his game.
Conclusion
Mukilan Shanmugami represents the growing strength of Tamil Nadu kabaddi and the success of developmental programs like the Yuva Kabaddi Series. His journey from playing village kabaddi in Karur to becoming a PKL player shows what dedication and proper opportunities can achieve.
Though his PKL statistics are limited, his retention by U Mumba for multiple seasons indicates the team’s belief in his potential. His story inspires young kabaddi players across Tamil Nadu and India to pursue their dreams through hard work and participation in domestic competitions.
Mukilan’s success highlights the importance of tournaments like the Yuva Kabaddi Series in providing pathways for young talent to reach professional kabaddi. His 59 points from 26 matches for Palani Tuskers proved to be the stepping stone to his PKL career.
As he continues his journey with U Mumba, Mukilan Shanmugami remains focused on getting more playing opportunities and contributing to his team’s success in future PKL seasons. His story continues to motivate aspiring kabaddi defenders from across the country.
