Teja Naik

Tejanaik, born on April 30, 2001, in the bustling town of Davanagere, Karnataka, discovered his love for kabaddi at a young age. Growing up in a neighborhood where the sport buzzed through the air, he was inspired by the local games around him. While his elder brother, Madhu, chose the path of wrestling, Tejanaik found his calling in kabaddi as a Right Raider. His journey took flight when he began training under the dedicated coach Sreeshail at Davanagere District Sports. Tejanaik quickly honed his skills, with a particular flair for bonus and toe touch techniques. He draws inspiration from his favorite player, Anup Kumar, whose remarkable ability to score bonus points motivates him to push his own boundaries. Competing in regional tournaments such as the YKS Editions, he proudly represented teams like Vijayanagara Veers and Hampi Heroes, immersing himself in the thrill of the game. Balancing sports with education, Tejanaik has completed his graduation in Commerce and is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Education, aiming to deepen his understanding of sports. With a heart full of dreams, Tejanaik aspires to elevate his game and inspire the next generation of kabaddi players, just as Anup Kumar once inspired him.