Shanmugavel Sakthivel

Born on June 16, 2005, in Karur, Tamil Nadu, Shanmugavel S is a rising kabaddi talent with a deep-rooted connection to the sport. Growing up in Karur, Shanmugavel's father, Sakthivel P, is a farmer and a kabaddi enthusiast himself, serving as a source of inspiration for his son. From a young age, Shanmugavel demonstrated a natural inclination towards kabaddi. Introduced to the sport by his father, who actively played kabaddi locally, Shanmugavel found his passion for raiding. Drawing motivation from family members like his cousins Gokulkannan (U Mumba), Bharat (Yuva series), Mukilan (U Mumba), and Surya, who excelled in kabaddi, Shanmugavel embarked on his journey to become a skilled raider. His preferred position on the kabaddi court is as a Right Raider, where he utilizes his best skill, the Kick, to outwit defenders and score points for his team. Under the guidance of his father, along with cousins Gokulkannan, Bharat, Mukilan, and Surya, Shanmugavel has honed his raiding skills and emerged as a formidable player. Practicing diligently at PVK Picchamatti in Karur, Shanmugavel's dedication to the sport has yielded notable achievements, including representing his district in the Junior State tournament in 2024 and securing victory in the CM trophy in 2024 for Trichy district. Outside of kabaddi, Shanmugavel enjoys playing volleyball and actively participates in local tournaments. Currently pursuing a BA in History, now in his second year, Shanmugavel's career highlights include a memorable performance in a local tournament where he single-handedly turned the tide of the game in favor of his team in the final moments. With aspirations to excel in kabaddi and secure a stable job, Shanmugavel remains focused on his training and development, driven by his passion for the sport and determination to succeed.