M. Manova Nickalson was born on March 9, 2001, in Aranthangi, Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. He comes from a humble background, with his father, V. Mani, working as a daily wage laborer, and his mother, Amala Rani, managing the household. He has an elder brother named Manase. Manova's journey in Kabaddi began unexpectedly during his 11th-grade years when he attended Kabaddi trials to skip classes. Surprisingly, he was selected, igniting his passion for the sport. He started as a Right Raider and quickly mastered techniques like the hand touch and jump skills. Under the guidance of his coach, Sathakutti Sir, Manova trained diligently at RR Traders Club, Pudukottai, honing his skills. He draws inspiration from local legend Arunachalam, renowned for his raiding prowess and numerous victories in the Aranthangi circuit. Although cricket was his initial sport, Manova transitioned to Kabaddi accidentally, finding success and fulfillment in the game. Despite his sporting achievements, he pursued his education diligently, earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 2022 and completing a BBED degree in 2024. Having participated in the South Zone University tournament, Manova aims for a stable government job to support his family. His journey exemplifies resilience and determination, demonstrating that success can arise from unexpected beginnings.