R Kannan, born on December 3, 2004, hails from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, where he currently resides. His father, Ramachandran N, works as a salesman, while his mother, Sendu R, manages their household duties. He has an elder sister named Sangavi, who does not play Kabaddi. Kannan's journey in Kabaddi commenced during his 5th standard, inspired by the boys playing in his school and village. He was particularly drawn to the game's dynamics, eventually specializing as a Right Cover Defender, renowned for his swift Dash maneuvers. Under the guidance of coaches Ramakrishnan and Ramachandran at Subash Sports Academy in Tirunelveli, Kannan has refined his skills, with a penchant for executing well-timed jumps during critical moments of the game. He admires Sunil Kumar, an accomplished Kabaddi player representing India, especially appreciating Kumar's expertise in combination tackles, which adds versatility to his defensive gameplay. Despite his dedication to Kabaddi, Kannan also enjoys playing cricket, showcasing his sporting versatility. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in his second year, he aspires to secure a job in the railway sector, driven by a desire for stable employment. One of Kannan's career highlights includes an extraordinary comeback victory during the Junior State tournament in 2023 against Ramanad District. Despite trailing by 20 points in the first half, his team staged a remarkable turnaround to clinch an unexpected victory, showcasing their resilience and determination on the mat.