Naveen Kumar is a star player in the Pro Kabaddi League who has wowed spectators since his debut in the sixth edition of the league, playing for Dabang Delhi KC. Kumar earned himself the nickname “Express” due to his consistent raid points and undeniable skill. His talent was developed under his grandfather; Kumar was introduced to the sport at just 18 years old and became the first person born in the 21st century to play pro kabaddi, making him also the youngest player. After completing his schooling, he moved on to Kurukshetra University where from there he continued to further hone and refine his practice as well as become a part of successful kabaddi teams.
Dabang Delhi KC had a lot to be proud of in the 2019 edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. The team, never having made it to the playoffs until the 6th season, found themselves in contention once Naveen Kumar joined their ranks. Kumar had an impact right away and led Delhi towards qualifying for their very first playoffs. By the end of season 7, they were even runners-up after coming close to clinching victory over Bengaluru Bulls! Naveen Kumar’s impressive 303 points ensured he was awarded Most Valuable Player too and this outstanding performance earned him the nickname ‘Naveen Express’. His truly outstanding performance across both seasons has left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.
Naveen was a major highlight for Dabang Delhi KC in the previous Kabaddi seasons. He started strong in Season 8, amassing 600 raid points in a short time and powering his team to the playoffs. His performance earned him MVP award for the second consecutive season, helping Dabang Delhi KC to clinch their maiden title. With Naveen’s heroics at its peak, it was no surprise that Dabang Delhi reached the playoffs again in season 9, this time despite leaking some points in defence. The team is all set to ride on Naveen’s magical performances into yet another successful run!
The addition of Naveen Kumar to the Dabang Delhi KC team has been a massive boon for the franchise, aiding them in qualifying for the playoffs in every season he has played for them so far. His stellar performances earned him his maiden national call-up for the 2019 South East Asian Games, where he proved his mettle with a super 10 that declared India champions of the tournament. It was an incredible experience for Naveen who subsequently went on to have a successful stint with Team India at various international tournaments.
