Abhishek Gunge

Abhishek Tukaram Gunge, hailing from the picturesque town of Wadgaon, Kolhapur, embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance both on and off the kabaddi court. Born on July 10, 2003, Abhishek found his calling in kabaddi at the tender age of 16, spurred by his fond memories of playing the sport during his school days. Raised in a nurturing family environment, with Tukaram managing agricultural endeavors and Chaya tending to the household, Abhishek discovered his passion for kabaddi early on. Despite his siblings, including younger brother Harshit, joining him on the kabaddi field, Abhishek emerged as a formidable Right Raider, showcasing exceptional prowess in the art of Hand Touch. Under the mentorship of coach Vijay Desai at Jayant Sports Islampur, Abhishek honed his skills, drawing inspiration from kabaddi maestro Arjun Deshwal, particularly admiring the latter's mastery of the bonus technique. Abhishek's journey in kabaddi has been punctuated by notable achievements, including representing Pune in the Under 17 Khelo India tournament in 2019 and showcasing his talent on a national platform at the All India University competition in Rohtak, Haryana, in 2022. Balancing his passion for kabaddi with academic pursuits, Abhishek is currently in his third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. Despite his academic commitments, Abhishek's crowning achievement came in 2024, when his team clinched the second position in the prestigious Ashwamedh - Maharashtra University Games held in Raigad, marking a significant milestone in his kabaddi journey. Looking ahead, Abhishek harbors aspirations of representing his state in the Senior Nationals, aiming to etch his name among the elite kabaddi players in the country. With unwavering determination and a burning passion for the sport, Abhishek remains poised to scale greater heights in his kabaddi career, epitomizing the adage that hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of success.