M Manimannan

Manimannan was born on June 4, 1999, in Chinnappampatti, Salem, Tamil Nadu. He resides in the same locality with his mother, Amudha, who works as a farmer, and his father, Mathesan. Manimannan has two elder sisters, Vaishnavi and Vaijayanti, and an elder brother, Vaithesh Kumar, who transitioned from being a kabaddi player to coaching the Seven Lions Kabaddi Club. Manimannan's kabaddi journey began in 2016, inspired by his brother's passion for the sport. Starting as a raider, he later switched to become a Right Cover Defender. Under the guidance of coaches Illavarasan and Vaithesh Kumar at the KR Sports Academy in Salem, Manimannan has honed his skills, excelling in the Forward Black technique. He admires players like Ajay Thakur for their raiding prowess. Despite facing setbacks due to injury, Manimannan has had memorable moments in his kabaddi career. His team's victory in a tournament in Hosur marked his successful return after a six-month hiatus, showcasing his resilience and determination. Beyond kabaddi, Manimannan has a passion for athletics and has represented Vinayaga Mission University in South Zone University competitions in 2022. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (B.Sc) and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education (BPED), with aspirations of pursuing a Master's degree. His ultimate goal is to serve his community as a police officer, combining his love for sports with a desire to contribute to society. With his brother as his first coach and mentor, Manimannan's journey in kabaddi reflects his perseverance and commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving his dreams.