Anup Kumar
Anup Kumar, the former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team, rose to fame with his exceptional skills on the mat. A soft-spoken leader, he was known for his agility, quick decision-making abilities, and his calm demeanor.
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Early Life of Anup Kumar
Anup Kumar was born and raised in Palra, Gurgaon, Haryana. He was the son of Ransingh Yadav and Ballo Devi. From a young age, he developed an interest in Kabaddi and started playing the sport as a pastime during his schooldays. His talent and hard work were soon recognized, and in April 2005, he joined the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as a constable. Anup represented India for the first time at the 2006 South Asian Games held in Sri Lanka.
Professional Life of Anup Kumar
Anup Kumar is a legendary Kabaddi player who has brought laurels to India on many occasions. He played as a raider and a captain for the Indian National Kabaddi Team. Anup played a vital role in the Indian team that won gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, the 2016 South Asian Games, and the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. He was known for his ability to score bonus points and for his hand and toe touches. Due to his incredible skills in taking bonus points, he was famously known as the “Bonus ka Badshah.” He was also a brilliant captain and a great sportsman, and due to his remarkable captaincy and sportsmanship, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in Indian Kabaddi history.
Anup Kumar spent five years with U Mumba, and later moved to Jaipur Pink Panthers. In 2012, the Government of India conferred the Arjuna Award on him for his achievements in the sport. He was employed as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in his native state of Haryana.
Pro Kabaddi League
Anup Kumar’s performance in the Pro Kabaddi League was outstanding, to say the least. He played for the U Mumba team and captained them in the 2014 season. In the same season, he won the Most Valuable Player award and led his team to the finals where they lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers. He scored 155 raid points in 16 matches, becoming one of the most successful raiders of the league.
In 2015, Anup Kumar led U Mumba to their maiden Pro Kabaddi title, finishing the season with 74 raid points. They defeated the Bengaluru Bulls in the final. The following year, U Mumba reached the final again, but they lost against Patna Pirates by only two points. In the same year, Anup completed his 400th raid point in the Pro Kabaddi League, becoming the first player to do so. He was retained by U Mumba for five consecutive seasons, but in 2018, he moved to Puneri Paltan. In December 2018, he announced his retirement from Kabaddi.
Conclusion
Anup Kumar’s achievements in the field of Kabaddi are exemplary, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players and captains in the history of Indian Kabaddi. His talent and hard work have inspired many young Kabaddi players, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more in the years to come.
FAQ
Who is Anup Kumar in the context of Kabaddi?
Anup Kumar is a renowned former Indian professional Kabaddi player, celebrated for his strategic acumen and leadership on the mat. Born on November 20, 1983, in Palra, Haryana, he began his Kabaddi journey during his school years and progressed to represent India internationally. Kumar captained the national team to victories in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, as well as the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. In the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), he led U Mumba to their maiden title in 2015 and was honored with the Most Valuable Player award in the inaugural season. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of the Puneri Paltan team in the PKL.
Who is Anup Kumar's wife?
Anup Kumar is married to his wife, whose personal details have been kept private, reflecting the couple’s preference to maintain their family’s privacy away from the public eye. Despite his public career, Kumar has consistently chosen to keep his personal life, including information about his spouse, out of the media spotlight. This approach underscores his focus on his professional endeavors and respect for his family’s privacy.
Who are members of Anup Kumar's family?
Anup Kumar hails from Palra village in Gurgaon, Haryana. His father, Ransingh Yadav, and mother, Ballo Devi, have been supportive figures throughout his career. Despite his public persona, Kumar maintains a private family life, sharing limited personal details publicly. This discretion reflects his desire to keep his family’s affairs away from media attention, focusing instead on his professional achievements and contributions to Kabaddi.
How old is Anup Kumar?
As of February 2025, Anup Kumar is 41 years old. He was born on November 20, 1983, in Palra, Gurgaon, Haryana. Throughout his career, Kumar has been celebrated for his exceptional skills and leadership in Kabaddi, earning numerous accolades and leading teams to significant victories. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact, inspiring many young athletes in the Kabaddi community.
What is Anup Kumar's Kabaddi player profile?
Anup Kumar, often referred to as “Captain Cool,” is renowned for his calm demeanor and strategic prowess on the Kabaddi mat. Standing at 180 cm and weighing 80 kg, he primarily played as a raider. Kumar’s signature move, the “Toe Touch,” showcased his agility and tactical intelligence. He began his professional career with U Mumba in the Pro Kabaddi League, leading them to a championship in 2015. Internationally, he captained the Indian team to gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2012.
Can you provide the biodata of Kabaddi player Anup Kumar?
Anup Kumar, born on November 20, 1983, in Palra, Haryana, is a distinguished figure in Indian Kabaddi. He began playing Kabaddi during his school years and later joined the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 2005. Kumar’s professional Kabaddi career includes leading U Mumba in the Pro Kabaddi League and captaining the Indian national team to multiple international victories. Post-retirement, he has taken on coaching roles, including coaching the Puneri Paltan in the PKL. Beyond sports, he serves as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Haryana, reflecting his dedication to public service.
What are some of the best moments of Anup Kumar's career?
Anup Kumar’s illustrious career is highlighted by several remarkable achievements. In the inaugural season of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, he was honored as the Most Valuable Player, leading U Mumba to the finals. Under his captaincy, U Mumba clinched their first PKL title in 2015. Internationally, Kumar steered the Indian national team to gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and led them to victory in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. His strategic brilliance and composure on the mat have earned him the nickname “Captain Cool,” and his signature “Toe Touch” move has been a standout in numerous matches.
What is Anup Kumar's role in Pro Kabaddi?
In the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Anup Kumar emerged as a pivotal figure, especially noted for his leadership of U Mumba. As captain, he guided the team to their first championship in 2015 and was recognized as the Most Valuable Player in the league’s inaugural season in 2014. Kumar’s strategic insights and calm leadership significantly contributed to the league’s popularity and the team’s success. After retiring as a player in 2018, he transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for the Puneri Paltan, where he continues to influence the sport by mentoring new talent and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game.
