Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana: The Titans of the Mat
When you think of Kabaddi, the first name that often pops into your head isn’t just a player, but a place: Haryana. Known globally as the “Nursery of Kabaddi,” this rugged state in Northern India has a soil that seems to breed warriors. From the mud pits of local akhadas to the glittering mats of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the journey of a Haryanvi player is one of grit, determination, and unmatched skill.
In this comprehensive guide, we are diving deep into the world of raiding, tackling, and “Dubkis” to bring you the definitive list of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the PKL or a newcomer to the sport, these are the names that have defined—and continue to define—the era of modern Kabaddi.
1. Pardeep Narwal – The “Dubki King”
No list of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana can ever begin without the man, the myth, the legend: Pardeep Narwal. Hailing from the village of Rindhana in Sonipat, Pardeep isn’t just a player; he is a phenomenonl
As of 2026, even after his recent transition toward coaching, his legacy remains untouchable. With over 1,800 raid points in his career, he holds the record for the most points in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League. His signature move, the Dubki, where he ducks under a chain of defenders with the grace of a dolphin and the power of a bull, revolutionized the sport. Pardeep led the Patna Pirates to a historic hat-trick of titles, making him a permanent fixture in any discussion regarding the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana.
2. Naveen Kumar – The “Naveen Express”
Speed, agility, and a “never-say-die” attitude define Naveen Kumar Goyat. Coming from Bhiwani, Naveen earned the nickname “Naveen Express” for his lightning-fast raids. He was the first player born in the 2000s to make a massive impact on the league, proving that the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana are getting younger and faster.
His consistency is frightening; he holds the record for the most consecutive Super 10s. In the 2024–2026 seasons, Naveen has continued to lead from the front, serving as a pillar for the Indian National Team and a nightmare for defenders across the globe.
3. Anup Kumar – “Captain Cool”
Before the flashy lights of the PKL, there was Anup Kumar. A native of Palra in Gurugram, Anup is the architect of modern Kabaddi strategy. Known for his “Toe Touch” and “Bonus” point mastery, he earned the title “Captain Cool” for his calm demeanor under pressure.
Anup led India to gold in the 2016 World Cup and was the face of U Mumba for years. Though he has retired from active play, his influence as a coach and mentor ensures his spot among the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana remains undisputed.
4. Manjeet Chhillar – The Mighty All-Rounder
When you talk about the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana, you have to mention the “One-Man Army,” Manjeet Chhillar. From Nizampur, Manjeet is arguably the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen.
With a tackle that can stop a freight train and a raiding ability that kept opponents on their toes, Manjeet’s versatility was his greatest weapon. He has more tackle points than most specialist defenders, proving that Haryanvi players are built differently.
5. Ashu Malik – The New Age Sensation
As we look at the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana in 2026, Ashu Malik has emerged as a frontrunner. Leading Dabang Delhi with a maturity beyond his years, Ashu has become a raiding machine.
In the most recent Season 12 of PKL, Ashu was a top contender for the Green Sleeve, consistently delivering 20+ point performances. His ability to perform in “Do-or-Die” situations makes him a modern-day great in the making.
6. Deepak Niwas Hooda – The Marathon Man
Consistency is the middle name of Deepak Niwas Hooda. Hailing from Rohtak, Deepak’s story is one of incredible perseverance. He rose through personal hardships to become the captain of the Indian team.
As a specialist all-rounder, Deepak has a knack for staying on the mat for long durations, earning him a spot in the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana. His fitness levels are legendary, and his running hand touch is still one of the most effective moves in the game.
7. Surender Nada – The Ankle-Hold Specialist
Defense is just as vital as raiding, and no one does it better than Surender Nada. Hailing from Jhajjar, Nada is widely considered the best left-corner defender in the world.
His “Ankle Hold” is so precise that once he grips a raider’s foot, there is almost no escape. For years, he and Mohit Chhillar formed the most feared defensive duo in the league, earning him a well-deserved place among the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana.
8. Sandeep Narwal – The Beast
If Kabaddi were a combat sport, Sandeep Narwal would be its heavyweight champion. Known for his explosive power and “Block” tackles, Sandeep is a terrifying prospect for any raider.
From Sonipat, Sandeep’s ability to switch from a ferocious defender to a powerhouse raider makes him a unique asset. His aggressive style of play is a trademark of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana.
9. Sunil Kumar – The Defensive Mastermind
Leadership and defense go hand-in-hand for Sunil Kumar. As a cover defender, Sunil is the brain of the defensive line. His ability to orchestrate a “Dash” or a “Chain Tackle” is second to none.
Leading the Jaipur Pink Panthers to glory and being a staple in the Haryana-dominated Indian squad, Sunil represents the tactical side of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana.
10. Devank – The Rising Star
Rounding off our list of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana is the newest sensation, Devank. In the 2025-26 season, Devank took the league by storm, scoring over 300 points in a single season.
Hailing from Rohtak, his explosive raids and high strike rate have made him the “Next Big Thing.” If he continues this trajectory, he may very well challenge the records set by Pardeep Narwal in the years to come.
Why Haryana is the Hub of Kabaddi?
You might wonder why so many of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana dominate the sport. The answer lies in the culture. In Haryana, Kabaddi is more than a game; it’s a way of life.
- Diet: The famous Haryanvi diet rich in milk, ghee, and fresh farm produce provides the physical strength required for this high-contact sport.
- Infrastructure: Every village has a “Panchayat” ground or a local academy where kids start training at the age of five.
- Role Models: With legends like Anup Kumar and Pardeep Narwal, young kids have a clear path to follow, aspiring to be one of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana.
Conclusion
The landscape of Indian Kabaddi is painted in the colors of Haryana. From the legendary “Captain Cool” Anup Kumar to the modern-day “Naveen Express,” the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana have set benchmarks that the rest of the world strives to reach. These athletes aren’t just players; they are ambassadors of a sport that is deeply rooted in Indian tradition yet rapidly evolving into a global phenomenon.
As we look toward the 2026 Asian Games and beyond, it is certain that the list of the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana will continue to evolve, bringing new heroes to the forefront of the mat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the best Kabaddi player from Haryana right now?
As of 2026, Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar are considered the top active players, though Pardeep Narwal remains the greatest of all time in terms of records.
2. Why are most Indian Kabaddi players from Haryana?
Haryana has a strong culture of wrestling and Kabaddi, supported by local academies and a diet high in protein and dairy, which produces the physical stamina needed for the sport.
3. Who has the most raid points among the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana?
Pardeep Narwal holds the record with over 1,800 raid points in the Pro Kabaddi League.
4. Who is the best defender in the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana list?
Surender Nada and Manjeet Chhillar are widely regarded as the best defenders to ever come out of the state.
5. Are there any new players joining the Top 10 Best Kabaddi Players from Haryana?
Yes, young players like Devank and Ayan Lohchab are quickly rising through the ranks and are expected to dominate the future of the sport.