S. Manikandan

Manikandan, born on April 22, 2000, in Thammampatti, Salem, Tamil Nadu, is deeply connected to his roots, residing in the same locality. His father, Selvaraj, and mother, Chitra, both work as laborers, instilling in him the values of hard work and determination. Manikandan is the youngest among his siblings, with three elder sisters named Selvamani, Selvapriya, and Selvamohana, none of whom share his passion for kabaddi. Discovering his love for kabaddi at the tender age of 7, Manikandan quickly found his calling as a Left Cover Defender. Known for his swift dashes on the mat, he draws inspiration from his favorite player, Manjeet Chillar, who excels in the same position. Under the guidance of coaches Ajit Kumar and Sharath at the Youngstar Club in Thammampatti, Salem, Manikandan hones his skills tirelessly. Despite his shy demeanor, he communicates fluently in both Tamil and English, showing glimpses of his potential. Apart from kabaddi, Manikandan enjoys playing cricket and follows the sport passionately. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in History (BA), combining his academic pursuits with his sporting ambitions. Although he didn't share specific career highlights, Manikandan dreams of playing in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and securing a job in the police force. His aspirations reflect his determination to excel both on the kabaddi mat and in his future career. While Manikandan may appear reserved, his dedication to kabaddi and his ambitions for the future speak volumes about his character. With continued perseverance and support, he is poised to achieve great heights in both sports and his chosen profession.