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Sahul Kumar Biography: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More

Sahul Kumar

Sahul Kumar is a right-corner defender from Taharpur Bhabisa, Uttar Pradesh, known for his sharp tackles and key defensive contributions in the Pro Kabaddi League. Rising from a sports-loving household, he honed his skills through local clubs and state championships before becoming a regular defender for Jaipur Pink Panthers and UP Yoddhas.

Personal DetailInformation
Full NameSahul Kumar
Date of Birth19 May 2001
BirthplaceTaharpur Bhabisa, Uttar Pradesh, India
FamilySports-inclined family; father supported his training
EducationCompleted schooling; focused on kabaddi training early
PositionDefender (Right Corner)
PKL TeamsJaipur Pink Panthers; UP Yoddhas
Domestic TeamUttar Pradesh (Senior Nationals)
PKL DebutSeason 8 (2021)

Early Life & Family

Born into a farming family in Aharpur Bhabisa, Sahul Kumar’s father, Rishi Pal Singh, worked as an agriculturist, while his mother, Kavita Devi, managed the household. Growing up amid fields and village life, Sahul Kumar balanced chores with education. His family encouraged both studies and sports, recognizing his athletic build and agility from a young age.

At school, Sahul Kumar’s agility and strength caught the attention of local coaches. Though initially more inclined towards academic pursuits, he often joined neighborhood kabaddi matches. Supported by his parents, he honed his fitness through daily drills and informal games, laying the foundation for his future career.

Domestic Career

Sahul Kumar represented Uttar Pradesh in the Senior National Kabaddi Championships, facing top raiders from across India. His consistent defensive displays, recording multiple High-5s at state level, earned him selection into elite state camps. Under seasoned coaches, he refined corner-hold techniques, ankle-holds, and chain tackles, contributing to Uttar Pradesh reaching advanced stages in national competitions.

His performances in domestic tournaments, including the 69th Senior Nationals in 2022, showcased his growing maturity as a defender and paved the way for his PKL draft selection.

PKL Journey

Season 8 (2021) – Jaipur Pink Panthers

  • Debut season after being bought at the 2021 auction.
  • Played 20 matches, amassing 43 tackle points with a 32% tackle strike rate.
  • Registered his first High-5 of his career, marking him as a defender to watch.

Season 9 (2022) – Jaipur Pink Panthers

  • Featured in 24 matches, finishing with 56 tackle points, ranking among top defenders of the season.  
  • Semifinal Heroics: Scored 10 tackle points in the semifinal against Bengaluru Bulls, single-handedly dismantling their raider lineup and propelling Jaipur to the final.  
  • Averaged over 2 tackle points per match, demonstrating both consistency and impact.

Season 10 (2023/24) – Jaipur Pink Panthers

  • Played 26 matches, contributing 39 tackle points.
  • Notched multiple Super Tackles and achieved several High-5s, underscoring his knack for game-changing defensive moments.
  • His disciplined positioning and swift reflexes made him a cornerstone of Jaipur’s defensive unit.

Season 11 (2024) – UP Yoddhas

  • Joined UP Yoddhas, featuring in 20 matches with 13 total points, including 8% raid strike and 32% tackle strike rates.  
  • Transitioned smoothly into his new team, providing stability in the right corner and supporting younger defenders.
SeasonTeamMatches PlayedTackle Points
Season 8Jaipur Pink Panthers2045
Season 9Jaipur Pink Panthers2456
Season 10Jaipur Pink Panthers2639
Season 11UP Yoddhas2013

Overall PKL Stats

Here’s the data presented in a table format:

StatsValue
Total No. of Matches83
No. of Super Tackles10
High 5s6
Total Tackle Points152
Average Successful Tackles/Match1.71
Total Tackles354
Tackle Success Rate %40%

Achievements

  • PKL 9 Semifinal Hero: His 10 tackle-point display is celebrated as one of the greatest defensive performances in playoff history.  
  • High-5s & Super Tackles: Multiple across Seasons 9 and 10, highlighting his impact under pressure.
  • Domestic Success: Key defender for Uttar Pradesh in Senior Nationals, helping the team advance to final stages regularly.
  • Drafted & Retained: Retained by Jaipur Pink Panthers for three consecutive seasons reflects teams’ trust in his abilities.

Indian Kabaddi Team Journey

As of 2025, Sahul Kumar has not yet debuted for the senior Indian national kabaddi team. However, his playoff heroics and steady PKL output have placed him on the national selectors’ radar. Continued high-pressure performances in PKL could earn him a call-up to represent India internationally.

Social Media and More

On Instagram (@sahul_kumar_6), Sahul shares match highlights, training snippets, and glimpses of his personal life, connecting with over 8.4K followers. Off the mat, he enjoys fitness challenges, mentoring young players in his hometown, and spending time with family.

Conclusion

From village fields in Uttar Pradesh to the grand stages of Pro Kabaddi League, Sahul Kumar’s trajectory exemplifies hard work and steady growth. His defensive mastery, punctuated by semifinal heroics and consistent tackle rates, has cemented his reputation as a reliable right-corner defender. As he continues with UP Yoddhas and eyes national selection, Sahul Kumar remains a defender to watch, inspiring many aspiring kabaddi players across India.

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