Anup Kumar is an Indian former professional Kabaddi player. He is the former captain of the Indian National Kabaddi Team. He was a capable captain and was called Captain Cool. His specialty was the toe touch, where he uses only opponents toes to tag an unsuspecting anti with the help of his legs. He was also expert at scoring bonus points thats why he is called “Bonus ka Baadshah”. In 2010 and 2014, he was a member of the India National Kabaddi team which won the Asian gold medal. He was also the part of that Indian team that won gold at South Asian games in 2016 and the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. He is regarded as one of the greatest captains in Indian kabaddi history.
Anup Kumar's Early life and Background
- Name : Anup Kumar Yadav
- Born : 20th November 1983, Palra, Gurugram, Haryana
- Position : Raider
- League : Pro Kabaddi League
- Team : India, U Mumba 2014-2019, Jaipur Pink Panthers 2019-2020
- Father Name : Ransingh yadav
- Mother Name : Ballo Devi
Anup Kumar was born on 20th November 1983 in Palra, Gurugram, Haryana. He is the son of Ransingh Yadav, and Ballo Devi. He belongs to a simple middle class family. He did not have much interest in Kabaddi, he used to play Kabaddi only for time pass and fun in childhood.
He joined CRPF as a constable in April 2005. After getting praised by his colleagues and by Amarsingh Yadav, a CRPF kabaddi coach, his interest started increasing in Kabaddi. Soon he thought of making his career in Kabaddi. His coach, Amarsingh Yadav played a major role in providing him with proper facilities and information.
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| Anup Kumar with family |
International Career
In 2006 South Asian Games, Anup Kumar made his international debut. At the 2010 Asian Games, he was the part of the Indian team who won the gold defeating Iran by a 20-37 score. India won gold in Asian Games again in 2014 defeating Iran by a 27-25 score.
At the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, India won gold because of his smart captaincy and high raiding skills. At the 2016 South Asian Games India won gold under Anup Kumar's captaincy.
Pro Kabaddi League Career
In the 1st season of Pro Kabaddi League, Anup Kumar was signed by U Mumba team. He was selected as a captain of the team. His team went to the final but the Jaipur Pink Panthers defeated them in the final. He was the MVP of the season for scoring brilliant 155 raid points and 35 tackle points in 16 matches.
In 2015, Anup Kumar led U Mumba to their maiden Pro Kabaddi title by defeating Bengaluru Bulls in the final with a score of 36-30. He finished the season with 74 raid points and 7 tackle points in 14 matches.
In 2016, U Mumba reached the final for the third time but they lost the final by only two points by Patna Pirates. Anup Kumar scored 76 raid points and 3 tackle points in 13 matches in that season.
Anup Kumar was retained by the U Mumba for next two season. He scored 72 raid points and 10 tackle points in 14 matches. In that season they only managed to finish fifth in the season.
In the 5th season, he scored 112 raid points and 23 tackle points in 21 matches. He became the first player in Pro Kabaddi to complete 400 raid points.
In 2018-19 season, Anup Kumar was released by U Mumba and signed by Jaipur Pink Panthers for 30 lakh rupees. He scored 38 raid points and 12 tackle points in 13 matches in that season.
On 19th December 2018, Anup Kumar announced his retirement from Kabaddi after completing 15 years in the sport.
Records
- The only player to captain a team in the finals for consecutive three years.
- Highest score in the Inaugural League of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League with 155 raid points.
- He is the first player in Pro Kabaddi to complete 400 raid points.
Awards and honours
- In 2012 he won Arjuna Award for Kabaddi.
- In 2014, he was the most valuable player of Pro Kabaddi League.
- Gold for Asian games of 2010 and 2014.
- Gold for South Asian Games 2016.
