Ashu Malik’s Rise to Stardom: The NewFace of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10
Source: PKL10
The 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League marked the emergence of a new kabaddi sensation, Ashu Malik, who captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Hailing from Sonepat, Haryana—a cradle of kabaddi talent—Ashu was seemingly destined for stardom in the sport.
Ashu Malik’s kabaddi journey began on local playfields, where his remarkable skills and unyielding determination quickly caught the eyes of scouts. His major breakthrough came at the 2022 Summer Edition of the Yuva Kabaddi Series. There, he made waves within the kabaddi community by finishing as one of the tournament’s top performers, amassing an impressive 295 points across 26 matches, which included 281 raid points and 14 tackle points. His performance not only led his team, Murthal Magnets, to the championship but also fast-tracked his entry into the Pro Kabaddi limelight.
Signed by Dabang Delhi K.C. as a New Young Player (NYP) for Season 8, Ashu’s debut season was a promising display of his potential. Adapting to the intense and high-octane environment of Pro Kabaddi, he scored 59 points and played a pivotal role in helping Dabang Delhi K.C. clinch their maiden PKL title.
It was in Season 9 that Ashu truly began to shine. Serving as a secondary raider alongside Naveen Kumar, he tallied 158 points, including six Super Raids and five Super 10s. His ability to
step up and deliver in crucial moments was unmistakable and heralded his readiness for greater responsibilities.
Season 10 proved to be Ashu Malik’s defining moment. With Naveen Kumar sidelined due to injury, Ashu was thrust into the roles of team captain and lead raider. He embraced these responsibilities with aplomb, leading by example and finishing the season as the joint top raid points scorer. He notched up 276 raid points, including 15 Super 10s and nine Super Raids, showcasing his prowess and leadership on the mat.
Beyond his club commitments, Ashu also demonstrated his mettle on the national stage. After the PKL season, he led Haryana to victory at the 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship, earning accolades as the tournament’s Best Raider. His performance there not only underscored his exceptional skill but also his resilience and capability to rebound from setbacks, as Dabang Delhi K.C. had fallen short in the PKL playoffs earlier.
Ashu Malik’s meteoric rise in the world of kabaddi is a testament to his hard work, strategic acumen, and innate talent. As he continues to mature, the kabaddi fraternity eagerly anticipates his potential inclusion in the national team. His all-around ability makes him an invaluable asset on any team, and his ongoing development suggests that his influence and dominance in the sport will only increase.
Today, Ashu stands as a prominent figure in professional kabaddi, no longer just a promising talent but a proven star and leader. His journey from local tournaments to professional acclaim is not just inspiring but a beacon for many aspiring athletes in kabaddi and beyond. With his sights set on the Pro Kabaddi trophy and possibly a national team berth, Ashu Malik’s future in kabaddi looks exceptionally bright, and he is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming seasons.