Manikandan S, born on May 29, 2002, hails from Sukkampatti, Karur District, Tamil Nadu, and competes for the N.A. Academy in the YKS TN Clubs 2024 tournament. His father, Subramani, and mother, Neela, both work as daily wage laborers. Manikandan has two siblings: an elder sister named Maheshwari and a younger sister named Malarkodi, neither of whom play kabaddi. Manikandan developed an interest in kabaddi at the age of 14 after observing others playing the sport at school. Excelling as a Left Cover Defender, his preferred skill is executing a running dash when the raider is retreating to his court. Under the guidance of coach Vijayakumar at PVK club, Karur District, Manikandan continues to refine his kabaddi skills. His favorite kabaddi player is Ajith Kumar from the Tamil Thalaivas. He admires Ajith for being the first person from his village to participate in the Pro Kabaddi League and appreciates his skills on the mat. Manikandan has represented various teams and districts in kabaddi tournaments, including the Yuva Kabaddi - Summer 2023 for Palani Tuskers, South Zone University tournaments in 2023 and 2024, and Senior State tournaments in Karur District from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, he has participated in Junior State tournaments in Karur District during the same years. Outside of kabaddi, Manikandan enjoys boxing and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education after completing his BCom in CA. His career highlight was winning the Inter-College University competition, which earned him the opportunity to compete in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Summer Edition 2023. His future aspiration is to secure a government job to support his family financially.