Abhiraj Pawar

Abhiraj Manoj Pawar, born on January 7, 2005, in Islampur, Sangli, is a dynamic kabaddi player representing Sangli in the KMP YKS 2024 tournament. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in Islampur, Abhiraj's father, Manoj Pawar, serves as a bank manager, while his mother, Varsha Pawar, manages their home. With an elder brother, Anay, pursuing engineering in Bangalore, Abhiraj discovered his passion for kabaddi at the age of 13, following his grandfather's suggestion to explore the sport. As a left raider, Abhiraj possesses an attacking style of play, showcasing exceptional skills in securing bonus points, his specialty on the mat. Under the guidance of coach Popat Patil at Islampur Vyayam Mandal, Abhiraj has honed his abilities, drawing inspiration from kabaddi ace Akash Shinde, renowned for his proficiency in bonus points and scissor moves. Abhiraj's journey in kabaddi has seen notable achievements, including winning the Bronze Medal at the 2022 Khelo India Youth Games in Indore and participating in the Junior Nationals in Hyderabad in 2023. Alongside his kabaddi pursuits, Abhiraj also enjoys cricket and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, aspiring to represent his team in the Pro Kabaddi League while aiming for a fulfilling career in a reputable government job.