Karunakar Behera, born on January 16, 2002, in the quaint Deoli Village of the Cuttack District, is a rising star in the world of kabaddi. Growing up in a close-knit family, he learned the value of hard work from his father, Murali Dhar Behera, a race farmer, and his mother, Ansuya Behera, who manages the home while caring for cows and goats. With several siblings, including an older brother who played kabaddi at school, Karunakar's journey in sports has been influenced by family traditions. Karunakar first picked up kabaddi at the age of 14, initially as a pastime with friends in his village. His natural talent caught the eye of his school coach, Ajay Kumar Behera, who has been mentoring him for the past eight years. Thanks to dedicated training at the Barabati Kabaddi Club in Cuttack, he not only made the district team but also showcased his skills in statewide tournaments, ultimately getting noticed in the Pro Kabaddi League auction. He cherishes his time participating in prestigious events like the Yuva Kabaddi Series Monsoon Edition and the All India University Championship. With dreams of playing in the Pro Kabaddi League and aspiring to serve the country through a job in the police or defense, Karunakar’s journey is just beginning. As he hones his skills in the sport he loves, his favorite tactic remains the hand touch, inspired by players like Aslam Inamdar.