Santosh Kumar Barik

Santosh Kumar Barik, born on June 9, 2002, in the quaint village of Basudebpur, Bhadrak, Odisha, has a heart full of dreams and an unwavering determination. Growing up in Bhubaneswar, where his father, Akshay Kumar Barik, now works in security after serving in the army, and his mother, Kanchan Barik, manages the home, family values have always been at the forefront of Santosh's life. He shares a close bond with his younger brother, Lalit, who’s currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and enjoys playing volleyball. Santosh’s journey into Kabaddi began at the age of 17, stemming from his desire to excel in sports after finding academics challenging. Initially, he had dreams of becoming a cricketer, but fate had other plans. It was during his time at Kendra Vidhalaya that he discovered the electrifying world of Kabaddi. Lying to his family about the distance to the Kabaddi ground, he practiced tirelessly and honed his skills in bonus and chain tackles. Now, a proud All-Rounder, Santosh has participated in national tournaments and recently showcased his talent in the Yuva Kabaddi Series. With aspirations of pursuing a career in sports, either as a coach or in the defense sector, Santosh is driven by the hope of making a significant mark in the game he loves. Inspired by the skills of his favorite player, Pardeep Narwal, he continues to push his boundaries at the Kishore Club in Bhubaneswar, eager for the challenges ahead.