Aniket Gawande

Aniket Gajanan Gawande hails from the vibrant town of Akola in Maharashtra. Born on October 14, 2003, he grew up in a close-knit family of farmers, with his father, Gajanan, introducing him to the world of kabaddi. Aniket fondly recalls starting his journey at just ten years old, inspired by the matches he watched and his father’s passion for the sport. With four elder sisters, Deepali, Rupali, Monali, and Pooja, Aniket always had a supportive family cheering him on. Living in Amravati now, Aniket plays as a Left Cover Defender, training on the village ground without formal club facilities. His coach, Nikhil Bundele, has been instrumental in shaping his skills, particularly his favorite—Dash. Aniket's best moment so far has been back-holding Aslam Inamdar during the Senior National Championship in 2023, a highlight he cherishes. He’s also a fan of cricket and admires Manjeet Chhillar for his fierce aggression on the kabaddi mat. Aniket dreams of one day making his mark in the Pro Kabaddi League, determined to pursue his passion with relentless dedication. With every match, he’s not just playing a game; he’s building a future for himself and his family.