Manikandan Kumar

K Manikandan, born on March 27, 2005, in the beautiful town of Pondicherry, has always had a heart full of dreams. Growing up in a close-knit family, he was inspired by the hard work of his mother, Pavunambal, who supported the family through her labor. Although he lost his father, Kumar, at a young age, the love from his elder brother, Soundarya, has been a guiding light in his life. Manikandan’s journey into the world of kabaddi sparked when he was just ten years old. With the encouragement of his childhood coach, Ananth Bhaskar, he found a passion for the sport that has shaped his life. Practicing at the Mangalam Sports Club, he honed his skills as an all-rounder, becoming adept at both raiding and defending. His favorite techniques, particularly the dash and bonus skills, reflect his energetic style of play. A proud participant in the Junior Nationals 2024, Manikandan dreams big; he aspires to showcase his talent in the Pro Kabaddi League someday. With a diploma in Fitter from ITI under his belt, he balances his studies and kabaddi ambitions. Inspired by his favorite player, Naveen Kumar Goyat, he remains focused on his goals, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.