Raj Ahire

Raj Hiralal Ahire, born on July 26, 2001, in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, faced early adversity with the loss of his father to a heart attack when he was just five years old. Raised by his mother, Ujjwala Bai, who serves as a clerk at the Municipal Corporation in Nandurbar, Raj found solace and purpose in kabaddi. Discovering his passion for the sport at the age of 14, Raj embraced the role of an All Rounder, specializing in defensive maneuvers such as Dash and Front Block. His preferred positions are the Right and Left Covers, with a penchant for the Left Cover position. Despite facing the challenges of life without a father figure, Raj's dedication to kabaddi remained unwavering. He initially honed his skills through self-practice, spending two years playing on his own before seeking structured training under Coach Vikrant Mangde of the Maharashtra Rural Police Kabaddi team in Nashik. Raj draws inspiration from kabaddi stalwart Shabir Babu, admiring Babu's mastery of techniques like block, thigh hold, and dash. A pivotal encounter with Babu provided Raj with invaluable tips and insights, significantly enhancing his game. In addition to kabaddi, Raj harbors a passion for rope skipping and cricket, actively participating in these sports alongside his kabaddi pursuits. Currently pursuing his first year of Master of Business Administration with a focus on Finance at Sandeep Foundation in Nashik, Raj aims to leverage his education to elevate his involvement in kabaddi. His career highlights include clinching the Gold medal at the Junior National in Nashik in 2019 and gaining invaluable experience at the University National tournament, where he emerged as a more seasoned player. Looking ahead, Raj is committed to nurturing kabaddi talent in his village, having initiated a club and actively coaching aspiring players. His ultimate ambition is to compete in the Pro Kabaddi League, a testament to his enduring love for the sport and his determination to leave a lasting impact on the kabaddi community.