Ajay Thakur: Captain courageous and the personification of brilliance

Ajay Thakur and his list of achievements in Kabaddi will make any player proud. Winning gold in the 2014 Asian Games and in the 2016 World Cup, in addition to the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri, it is no wonder that Thakur is aptly dubbed the King of Kabaddi. His journey from Dabholta, Himachal Pradesh to the lofty heights of Kabaddi not just in India but in the world make him one of the best in the business. Kabaddi ran in his blood as his father was a former kabaddi player and a coach while his cousin Rakesh also represented the Indian national kabaddi team. He was drawn to the game from a very early age, and ran away from home at the age of 10 to play in a kabaddi tournament.

The main factor behind the success of Thakur as a Kabaddi player is because of the fact that he never gives up in any situation, be it a dire or difficult position. Thakur is also known as the Ice Man for his ability to stay calm in these situations. In the last two seasons itself in the Pro Kabaddi League, Thakur’s greatness has been enhanced in the Pro Kabaddi League. He has scored a total of over 200 points in both season five and season six of the Pro Kabaddi League, making him one of the elite athletes in Kabaddi.

The best of Thakur

Thakur had already previously won gold medals while representing India at the 2007 Asian Indoor Games and the 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. But, his real claim to fame is the 2014 Incheon Games, where India won the gold medal in kabaddi event of the Asian Games. After this, the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship and a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games have all been the noteworthy achievements of Thakur.

His six feet one inch frame ensures that he has the longest reach in the game. His achievements in Kabaddi have seen him take up a Police role in Himachal Pradesh and one hopes that he continues being the best in this country in whatever field he chooses.