Top five oldest players to feature in a Pro Kabaddi League match

These players proved that age is just a number.

Kabaddi is a very fast-paced contact sport. It requires agility, strength, immense fitness, and demands a lot of concentration. Despite the rigorous requirements, some players age like fine wine and end up becoming stalwarts of the sport. They are feared as much as respected. Such players prove that age is just a number on the mat. These are the top five oldest players to feature in a Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match.  

5. Ajay Thakur

Former national team Ajay Thakur hails from Dabhota in Himachal Pradesh. He was part of the national teams that won gold in the 2014 Asian Games and 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. His success as a raider has earned him the Arjuna Award and a Padma Shri.

The 36-year-old is a member of the Himachal Pradesh Police Service and serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

He began his Pro Kabaddi career with Bengaluru Bulls, scoring 122 raid points in season 1 and 79 in the second season, where he battled typhoid. His performances were crucial in the Bulls’ run to the finals in season 2. He moved to Puneri Paltan but found limited success. He was back to his belligerent best with Tamil Thalaiavas in season 5, scoring 213 raid points in 22 matches. The next season, he posted 203 raid points.

He was marred with injuries, being ruled out of season 8 completely. The escape artist is an idol for the current generation of players and his calm demeanor and age-defying fighting spirit have won him a place in countless Indian heats.

4. Manjeet Chillar

Mighty Manjeet Chillar is a legend in Indian Kabaddi circles. A recipient of the Arjuna Award, his legacy reached peak status even before the Pro Kabaddi. The all-rounder won gold in the 2010 Guangzhou and 2014 Incheon Asian Games. He was also a part of the Kabaddi World Cup and Dubai Masters, helping India to more golden glory.

Manjeet captained Bengaluru Bulls in season 1, shining with 51 tackle and 71 raid points. He won the MVP award for season 2, winning 40 tackles and 67 raid points. He continued his dominating displays across franchises, replicating his form and captaining Puneri Paltan and Jaipur Pink Panthers before becoming an integral part of the defences of Tamil Thalaivas and Dabang Delhi.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Manjeet’s defensive capabilities did not wane. He had to ease off raiding from season 3. Manjeet has the most successful tackle points, successful tackles, and High 5s among all PKL players to date. His longevity and consistent performance at the highest level are astounding.

Manjeet will take on a different role for season 9 after being named as the assistant coach of Telugu Titans.

3. Joginder Narwal

The ‘Takedown Tiger’ captained Dabang Delhi to finals run last season at the age of 39. The veteran has amassed 205 points in 102 games with Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, and Dabang Delhi.

After his son Vinay Narwal was drafted in by Dabang last season as a New Young Player, they became the first father-son duo to play in the league. Joginder is now a part of the Haryana Steelers and the left corner will look to pass on his wisdom to the younger players.

2. Jeeva Kumar

Jeeva is one of the most prolific right covers in the sport’s history. He won gold in the 2010 Asian Games and has since been a mainstay in PKL defences. Born in Kanyakumari, Jeeva’s trademark dashes and super tackle mastery propelled him to stardom. He is a 3-time league winner, with U Mumba in season 2, Bengal Warriors in season 7, and Dabang Delhi in season 8. Jeeva will serve as the assistant coach for UP Yoddha in season 9.

1. Dharmaraj Cheralathan

Dharmaraj Anna’s competitiveness on the mat has left many flabbergasted. The corner defender has performed miraculous feats over the course of his 20 years of Kabaddi experience. He began his PKL career with the Bulls, before moving on to Telugu Titans. He captained Patna Pirates in PKL season 4, making the highest number of successful super tackles. U Mumba trusted him with the burden of responsibility in season 6, where Anna shined with 40 tackle points. At the age of 45, he captained Haryana Steelers in season 7, ending his tenure as an inspirational figure who belied his age. He won a total of nine gold medals across his distinguished career.

Dharmaraj was equally adept in either corner and several top raiders over the years have fallen prey to his ankle holds. His versatility helped him take a back seat and guide the team at times, but there is no sight like a charged-up Cheralathan aged forty-plus, pouncing and prowling around the mat with hunger and drive.