Arjun Deshwal

Arjun Deshwal is an Indian professional Kabaddi player from Uttar Pradesh. He plays as raider and also he leads Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League. He is known as a "Raid Machine" in the league for his aggressive raiding technique. He was part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Gangzhou, China.

Early life and background

Deshwal was born in Jaat family in Basera, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. He used to watch boys play kabaddi in his village and he too started playing kabaddi regularly by the age of 14. Then he represented his school in the under-16 School Nationals and later in 2019, he was selected for the Uttrakhand State team.

Career

Deshwal began his professional career playing for U Mumba, then he was transferred to the Jaipur Pink Panthers, where he helped win the 2022 PKL Season 9. He is considered one of the top raiders in PKL season 9. In 2023, he competed for India at the 2022 Asian Games; the team won gold, controversially defeating Iran 33–29 in the finals. In domestic tournaments, he represents Services team and Green Army.