Global Kabaddi Icons 2025: Players Taking the Sport Beyond South Asia

Players like Pardeep Narwal, Naveen Kumar, and Fazel Atrachali have elevated the sport’s global recognition, playing a crucial role in the success of India’s Pro Kabaddi League (KPL).

An expert from KreedOn, Voice of Indian Sports, explains:

“Pro Kabaddi has become the second-biggest sports league in India after cricket. It has introduced new teams, new formats, new rules, and new technologies to make the game more thrilling and engaging. It has also expanded its reach to international markets, such as the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. PKL has transformed kabaddi from a rural sport to a global phenomenon.”

Pardeep Narwal: The Global Ambassador of Kabaddi

Pardeep Narwal is one great name in Kabaddi that commands deep respect. Though he is now retired, his legacy lies in elevating the sport’s popularity.

Career Highlights

• Record holder for the most raid points in PKL history: 1801 points in 190 matches across 10 seasons.

• Founder of the Pardeep Narwal Kabaddi Academy, developing next-generation athletes.

• He amassed multiple individual awards including Best Raider (seasons 5 & 6) and the MVP (Most Valuable Player) in seasons 4 and 5.

• Three-time PKL champion with Patna Pirates.

Impact Beyond India

• Member of India’s 2016 Kabaddi World Cup winning team.

• Winner of the Kabaddi Masters Dubai.

• Gold medalist at the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship.

Wagering Influences

Narwal’s role and performances in both home and away tournaments have helped to increase popularity and bring global attention. His individual performances in matches could often sway the odds of Wagering markets.

Due to his top-notch raiding abilities, matches could go from a 1 to 100 and predictions could also swiftly change. This made him a very valuable player and an important factor that could switch up the Kabaddi points table forecasts and updates.

Naveen Kumar: The Young Raider Making Waves Worldwide

At just 25, Naveen Kumar is making waves and breaking records in the PKL scene. His name has become a household name, and his talents - speed, consistency, reflexes - places him on the top of the list of MVPs.

Career Highlights

• The Naveen Kumar (Kabaddi) stats show that he is the youngest player to score 300 raid points in one Kabaddi season.

• MVP of PKL season 7.

• Displayed repeated Super 10 performances across seasons.

• Naveen Kumar height of 5 feet 10 inches enhances raid efficiency and speed.

International Tournaments

When fans abroad ask questions like - “Naveen Kumar, which team in 2025?” The answer is straightforward. He has been playing for the Dabang Delhi K.C. since 2018, but was recently sold to the Haryana Steelers in the PKL Auction, 2025, maintaining his spot as star raider.

He has competed in a number of international tournaments, such as:

• The Asian Kabaddi Championships in Busan, 2023, where he scored a Super 10 against Sri Lanka in the finals.

• The 2019 SouthEast Asian Games where he won a gold medal.

Wagering Relevance

Naveen’s speed and consistency makes him a decisive factor in live wagering. The increase in live Kabaddi score tracking when he plays proves just how important he is in the Kabaddi Wagering scene.

Fazel Atrachali: Iran’s Defensive Wall on the Global Stage

From Iran to many global arenas, Fazel has made a name for himself as one of the very successful players in the Kabaddi scene. He is one of the strongest defenders and is known as Iran’s Defensive Powerhouse.

Career Highlights

• The First PKL player to reach 500 tackle points.

• PKL titles with Patna Pirates (season 4) and U Mumba (season 2).

• Two-time “best defender” awardee.

• One of PKLs most successful captains.

Cross-Border Matches

• He was a member and captain of the Asian Games Gold Medal winning team.

• He was a part of the World Cup team in Iran.

Impact On Odds

Fazel’s consistency in his defensive abilities affects wagering odds significantly. Factors like ability to change momentum, number of super tackles, and tackling success make him important to bettors and strategists alike.

Emerging Global Stars: The Next Generation

• Mohammedreza Shadloui: An Iranian Kabaddi player already making waves, from winning the MVP title in PKL season 11 to becoming the most expensive player in the PKL 2025 auction, bought by the Gujarat Giants.

• Arjun Deshwal: A dominant raider, key player for Jaipur Pink Panthers, and high-pressure scoring ability.

• Pawan Sehrawat: Another dominant raider and one-time MVP winner known for high-value raids and aggressive offense.

Impact on the Sport

These players have accelerated the Pro Kabaddi League to greater heights and global markets in places like Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Wagering Trends

These players are also creating new opportunities for Kabaddi wagering. Due to their performances, live wagering markets now have impressive features like raid success predictions and player-specific odds.

Kabaddi’s Expansion Strategy: Tournaments and Global Appeal

Events Outside South Asia

Kabaddi’s expansion strategy has begun from tournaments and events outside Asia. Notable tournaments include:

• The Asian Kabaddi Championship.

• The Kabaddi World Cup.

• European Kabaddi Cup.

• USA World Kabaddi Cup.

Media & Streaming

Another way Kabaddi is expanding beyond South Asia is through digital broadcasting - millions of fans from around the world tune in to watch their favorite players and popular matches.

“The sports media market in India is poised for significant growth between 2025 and 2030, driven by increasing digital consumption, rising investments in broadcasting rights, and the growing influence of regional and niche sports content.” - Research and Markets.

How Global Players Affect Wagering Markets

Odds Analysis

In 2025, wagering platforms are easily influenced by two major factors - player form and match conditions - to set odds. For example:

• Players like Naveen or Pardeep and their respective teams will have lower odds to lose due to their consistency in performance.

• The defensive icon Fazel, on the other hand, will have over or under point totals due to his shutdown abilities.

Strategy Tips

How can you use player stats for predictions? You should analyze:

• The recent streaks and live scores.

• Raid vs. tackle success rates.

• Players’ performances in international tournaments.

• Keep an eye on the live Kabaddi score for changes in momentum.

Live Wagering Opportunities

As Kabaddi international tournaments are increasing everyday, so are the different live Wagering opportunities for bettors and analysts alike. Markets for different outcomes like MVP results and first touch points are becoming more popular and competitive.

Conclusion

Thanks to the performances of global Kabaddi stars, the sport has evolved from an indigenous pastime to a popular sport watched by many around the world.

The PKL has seen immense growth in 2025, making it the year where Kabaddi goes beyond the borders of South Asia. With so many things to look forward to like wagering markets, new players, and international leagues, the sport has become a must-watch for fans all around the world.

“2025 marks a turning point where Kabaddi becomes a truly global sport.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the best Kabaddi player in 2025?

Pardeep Nawal remains number one in the top 10 of best Indian Kabaddi players as he is the most decorated player.

2. Where can I follow Kabaddi scores and stats?

Major trusted platforms like ESPN and the Pro Kabaddi League official website provides updated information on every season.

3. What are key factors influencing Kabaddi wagering odds?

Factors like team balance, player performance, and defensive stats all play a major role.