Sombir Gulia: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Sombir Gulia is a skilled right corner defender who has been an important part of the Pro Kabaddi League since Season 4 in 2016. Known for his strong defensive skills and consistent performance, Sombir has played for multiple teams across nine PKL seasons. Currently wearing jersey number 2, he represents the Patna Pirates in PKL Season 12 after previously playing for Telugu Titans, Dabang Delhi, Puneri Paltan, and Gujarat Giants. His journey through different teams shows his value as a dependable defender who brings stability to any team’s defense unit.
| Category | Detail |
| Full Name | Sombir Gulia |
| Jersey Number | 2 |
| Position | Right Corner Defender |
| Nationality | Indian |
| PKL Debut | Season 4 (2016) |
Early Life & Family
While specific details about Sombir Gulia’s early life and family background are not readily available from current sources, he comes from India and has built his career as a professional kabaddi player. Like many kabaddi players from India, he likely started playing the sport at a young age and developed his skills through domestic competitions before making it to the professional level.
His journey to professional kabaddi would have involved years of training and participation in local and state-level tournaments. The path to PKL requires dedication and consistent performance in domestic kabaddi, which suggests that Sombir worked hard to develop his defensive skills from an early age.
Domestic Career
Sombir Gulia’s domestic kabaddi career helped him build the foundation for his professional journey. Before joining the PKL, he would have participated in various state and national level competitions to hone his skills as a right corner defender. His defensive abilities and understanding of the game earned him recognition at the domestic level.
His performance in domestic competitions was strong enough to catch the attention of PKL team scouts, leading to his selection in Season 4. The fact that he has been part of the PKL for nine consecutive seasons shows that his domestic training provided him with the skills needed to compete at the professional level.
His experience in domestic kabaddi helped him understand different playing styles and develop the tactical awareness that makes him effective in the right corner position. This foundation has been crucial for his long career in professional kabaddi.
PKL Journey
Sombir Gulia began his PKL journey with Telugu Titans in Season 4 (2016) and has been a consistent presence in the league since then. His career shows his adaptability as he has successfully played for five different teams across nine seasons. This movement between teams often indicates that he is a valuable player who brings defensive stability wherever he goes.
During his time with Puneri Paltan in Seasons 8 and 9, Sombir showed his worth as a reliable defender. The team management recognized his value and retained him for multiple seasons, which speaks to his consistent performance and professional approach to the game.
In Season 10 with Gujarat Giants, Sombir Gulia had one of his standout performances, earning 13 tackle points and achieving 2 High 5s during the Ahmedabad leg. This performance highlighted his ability to be a key defensive player for his team. His defensive skills were particularly noted during this period, showing that he could be a difference-maker in crucial matches.
For Season 12, Sombir Gulia was purchased by Patna Pirates for ₹13 lakhs, joining a team known for its strong defensive unit. The Pirates, who are three-time PKL champions, saw value in adding Sombir to their defensive lineup alongside other skilled defenders.
PKL Statistics
| Season | Team | Matches | Tackle Points | High 5s | Super Tackles |
| Season 4 (2016) | Telugu Titans | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season 5 (2017) | Telugu Titans | 17 | 39 | 2 | 6 |
| Season 6 (2018) | Telugu Titans | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Season 7 (2019) | Dabang Delhi | 12 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Season 8 (2021) | Puneri Paltan | 19 | 60 | 5 | 6 |
| Season 9 (2022) | Puneri Paltan | 18 | 35 | 1 | 2 |
| Season 10 (2023-24) | Gujarat Giants | 22 | 52 | 4 | 8 |
| Season 11 (2024) | Gujarat Giants | 14 | 27 | 2 | 2 |
| Season 12 (2025) | Patna Pirates | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Overall | – | 113 | 223 | 15 | 26 |
Achievements
Sombir Gulia’s main achievement is his longevity in the Pro Kabaddi League, having played for nine consecutive seasons since the league’s fourth edition. This consistency shows his value as a professional player and his ability to maintain performance standards across different teams and seasons.
His standout performance in PKL Season 10 with Gujarat Giants, where he earned 13 tackle points including 2 High 5s during the Ahmedabad leg, was recognized as one of the top defensive performances of that period. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform at crucial moments and contribute significantly to his team’s defensive efforts.
Throughout his career, Sombir Gulia has accumulated 194 tackle points in 94 matches, which shows his consistent contribution as a defender. His overall tackle statistics include 24 successful defensive actions that demonstrate his effectiveness in the right corner position.
Being selected and retained by multiple top PKL teams over the years is itself an achievement that speaks to his professional approach and reliable performance. Teams like Puneri Paltan retained him for multiple seasons, showing their confidence in his abilities.
Social Media and More
Sombir Gulia maintains an active presence on social media through his Instagram profile @sombirgulia.02_official. His social media presence reflects his professional kabaddi career and includes updates about his PKL journey and training. The profile shows his connection with fans and his commitment to the sport.
His Instagram bio mentions his jersey number 2 and his journey through different PKL teams, showing pride in his career progression. He has documented his time with Telugu Titans (seasons 4-6), Dabang Delhi (season 7), and Puneri Paltan (seasons 8-9) on his social media platforms.
The description “Moves in silence, and only speaks when it’s time to say” on his profile suggests his focused and professional approach to the game. This attitude has likely contributed to his long and successful career in professional kabaddi.
His social media also reflects his journey from being a consistent performer to becoming a recognized defender in the PKL. The engagement with fans and followers shows his understanding of the importance of connecting with the kabaddi community.
Conclusion
Sombir Gulia represents the value of consistency and professionalism in Pro Kabaddi League. His nine-season journey from Telugu Titans to Patna Pirates shows his adaptability and the trust that different teams have placed in his defensive abilities. As a right corner defender, he has been a reliable presence for every team he has represented.
His career statistics of 194 tackle points in 94 matches demonstrate his consistent contribution to team defense. The fact that he has played for five different PKL teams over nine seasons shows his versatility and the respect he commands from team management across the league.
Currently with Patna Pirates for Season 12, Sombir Gulia continues to add value to one of PKL’s most successful franchises. His experience and defensive skills make him an important part of the Pirates’ quest for their fourth PKL title. At this stage of his career, he brings both skill and experience that can guide younger players while continuing to perform at a high level.
Sombir Gulia’s journey in PKL serves as an example of how consistent performance and professional attitude can lead to a long and successful career in professional kabaddi. His contribution to the sport continues as he plays his ninth consecutive season, making him one of the experienced defenders in the current PKL setup.
