Young Kabaddi Star from Tamil Nadu Brings Pride to His Village and Family

M Sudhakar, a 21-year-old kabaddi player from the village of Palayanallur in Tamil Nadu, has become a source of pride for his village and family as he shines in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Hailing from a kabaddi-loving family, Sudhakar’s passion for the sport started at a young age. However, due to being the youngest boy in the house, he wasn’t allowed to travel for tournaments.

His fortunes changed one day in 11th standard when, by a stroke of luck, he was asked to join a kabaddi game as a replacement player. Sudhakar scored four points and won the game, igniting his kabaddi career. He dedicated himself to training in the muddy fields of his village, and his skills eventually caught the attention of PKL scouts at the 2022 winter edition of the Yuva Kabaddi Series.

Sudhakar stood out as the best raider of the season with 320 raid points, attracting offers from PKL clubs. Ultimately, he chose to join the three-time champions, Patna Pirates. Since then, Sudhakar has experienced a whole new world of travel, playing in different cities, and training alongside India’s top kabaddi players such as Sachin Tanwar.

However, Sudhakar’s journey in the PKL is not just about personal success. It’s also about proving his worth and bringing pride to his family. His father, Maruthamuthu, a daily wage laborer, has faced taunts and derogatory comments about his sons’ future. Sudhakar’s success has turned the narrative around, with people in the village now speaking proudly of him and congratulating his father for raising a talented sportsman.

Now earning Rs 8 lakh for the season, Sudhakar’s presence in the PKL has brought joy and happiness to his family. His mother, in particular, expresses her pride in his achievements, noting how the village now holds them in high regard. Despite the newfound recognition, Sudhakar remains determined to showcase even more of his skills on the mat.

With 67 points in 11 matches for Patna Pirates this season, Sudhakar has already become a ‘PKL star’ among his friends in Palayanallur. As the first player from their village to reach such a top-level competition, Sudhakar aspires to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Pardeep Narwal and Ajay Thakur, and achieve even greater success in the world of kabaddi.