Stephen Raj

Stephen Raj, born on July 31, 2000, hails from Thirunelvi, Tamil Nadu, where he currently resides. His upbringing, guided by his father Moses, a laborer, and his mother Vasantha, a homemaker, instilled in him the values of diligence and perseverance. Stephen has an elder brother named Solomon, who has been a constant source of support and inspiration in his life. At the age of 15, Stephen discovered his passion for kabaddi, finding his niche as a Right Corner Defender. With an impressive array of skills including strokes, ankle holds, and dashes, Stephen became an indispensable asset to his team. Under the guidance of coaches Thangaraj and Veera Thamizhan at the Veera Thamizhan Sports Club, he honed his abilities, striving for excellence with each practice session. Stephen's admiration for young and dynamic player Abinesh Nadarajan fuels his ambition, particularly drawn to Nadarajan's powerful dashes on the kabaddi mat. His dedication and hard work bore fruit as he represented his university at the South Zone Inter University tournament, showcasing his talent and commitment to the sport. Apart from kabaddi, Stephen is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, currently in his second year of study. While kabaddi remains his primary focus, Stephen harbors aspirations of joining the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and securing a government job in the police force. With his unwavering determination and multifaceted skill set, Stephen Raj is poised to carve a name for himself in the world of kabaddi and beyond.