Sourabh Rathod

Saurabh Santosh Rathod, born on September 13, 2002, in Mahur, Nanded, Maharashtra, hails from a farming background, where hard work and perseverance are deeply ingrained values. His father, Santosh Rathod, and mother, Anita, instilled in him a strong work ethic from a young age. Growing up in Mahur, Saurabh found his calling in kabaddi, drawn to the sport by the inspiring tales of his elder cousin brother. Starting his kabaddi journey at the age of 16, Saurabh quickly displayed a natural talent for the game, assuming the role of a formidable Right Cover Defender on the kabaddi mat. Under the guidance of coach Prem Chavan and training at the Renuka Devi Kabaddi Club in Mahur, Saurabh honed his skills, with his signature move being the swift and decisive Dash, disrupting opponent raids with precision. Saurabh's admiration for kabaddi ace Akash Shinde stems from Shinde's impeccable Running Hand Touch skill, a trait that Saurabh aspires to master in his own game. Despite not having siblings who play kabaddi, Saurabh has carved his path in the sport, representing his district thrice and clinching State Junior titles in 2021 and 2024. A career highlight for Saurabh was his stellar performance in the Junior State tournament against Pune in 2021, where he secured a remarkable High Five, showcasing his defensive prowess. Beyond the kabaddi arena, Saurabh's affinity for cricket mirrors his passion for sports, albeit in a different discipline. Currently pursuing his graduation in TYBCOM, Saurabh harbors aspirations of pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) and ultimately becoming a sports teacher, nurturing the next generation of athletes. With his dedication, skill, and ambition, Saurabh Santosh Rathod is poised to make significant strides in the world of kabaddi, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience.