Navaj Desai

Navaj Noushad Desai, born on October 20, 2006, hails from Kurundawad, Maharashtra, and currently resides in Sangli. His father, Noushad Desai, works as an electrician, and his mother, Tarnum Noushad Desai, is a homemaker. Navaj has two elder sisters, Simran and Sofiya, who do not play kabaddi but support him in his pursuits. Navaj's kabaddi journey commenced at the age of 10 when he discovered his passion for the sport while attending school. As a right cover defender, Navaj excels in the art of the ankle hold, showcasing his defensive prowess on the kabaddi mat. Under the guidance of his coach, Vaibhav Patil, at Jay Matrabhumi Sangli, Navaj hones his skills and strategies to become a formidable player. He draws inspiration from kabaddi stalwart Ravindra Pahel, particularly admiring Pahel's expertise in the double thigh hold technique. Navaj has already made significant strides in his kabaddi career, representing Maharashtra in the Sub Junior National tournaments of 2021 and 2022. While cricket is another sport he enjoys, Navaj's dedication to kabaddi remains unparalleled. Despite his academic commitments up to the 12th standard in the arts stream, Navaj's ultimate aspiration is to compete in the prestigious Pro Kabaddi League. His career highlights include winning a cycle in state matches held in Sangli, underscoring his potential for success in the sport. With a steadfast determination and unwavering ambition, Navaj strives to make his mark in the professional kabaddi arena.