Arjun Deshwal: From Cricket Fields to Kabaddi Courts, A Journey to PKL Stardom
Source: Prokabaddi
Arjun Deshwal, currently one of the brightest stars in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has become a beacon of inspiration for young athletes aspiring to carve out a successful career in kabaddi. Born in the small town of Basera in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, Deshwal’s journey from a cricket-playing youngster to a kabaddi sensation is a tale of passion, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.
As a child, Deshwal was enamored with cricket, but the local kabaddi scene, vibrant with enthusiastic players and their triumphant returns from tournaments, soon captured his imagination. By the age of 14, Deshwal had given kabaddi a try, and quickly realized he had a natural aptitude for the sport. His swift movements and deceptive play style marked him as a promising raider from the outset.
Deshwal’s potential became evident when, at just 16, he represented his school in the U-16 national category. His prowess on the kabaddi mat grew, leading to his selection as a state champion in the U-19 team by 2015. His progression continued, and by 2019, he was playing at the national level for Uttar Pradesh and later for Uttarakhand.
Despite receiving offers to join the army under sports quotas from Bangalore and Hyderabad, Deshwal was steadfast in his commitment to kabaddi. He eventually joined the army from Roorkee after turning 18, balancing his military duties with intense kabaddi training under coaches Mr. Bhupinder Singh and Mr. Dharminder Singh from his hometown.
Deshwal’s big break came in 2018 when he signed with U Mumba for the PKL. Although an injury limited his participation in his debut season to just three games, he made a remarkable comeback in Season 7, scoring 104 raid points and establishing himself as a key player for the team. His performance caught the attention of the Jaipur Pink Panthers, who secured his services for a whopping INR 96 lakh at the player auction.
With the Panthers, Deshwal truly flourished, becoming the team’s top raider in his first season with them, and leading them to their second PKL title in the following season. His outstanding contribution of 296 raid points in that victorious campaign earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Beyond his club successes, Deshwal has also shone internationally, representing India at the Asian Games 2022 and the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023, bringing home gold medals from both events. His achievements on the international stage led to his appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, further honoring his contributions to the sport.
Though the Panthers did not reclaim the PKL title in Season 10, Deshwal’s joint top raid points score of 276 points underscores his consistent performance and resilience. Known for his ability to bounce back stronger from setbacks, Deshwal is not one to dwell on past disappointments. Instead, he focuses on preparing rigorously for the upcoming seasons, driven by a relentless desire to improve and succeed.
Arjun Deshwal’s journey from a curious observer of kabaddi in his village to a celebrated national and international player is not just about sports. It’s a story of how dedication, hard work, and the courage to follow one’s passion can lead to extraordinary achievements, making him a true role model for the youth of today.
