Ajay Thakur

Ajay Thakur is a professional Kabaddi player. He was born on May 1st, 1987, in Dabhota village of Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, to his parents Rajinder Kaur and Chottu Ram. He married Sandeep Rana on April 10, 2019. Kabaddi has always been a significant part of his family; his father is a former Kabaddi player and coach. Thakur was drawn to the game at a very young age and carried on the family legacy. He represented the Indian Kabaddi Team at the age of 19, inspired by his cousin Rakesh, who had already represented India in Kabaddi at the international level. He is the former captain of the Indian National Men’s Kabaddi Team. Thakur was part of the national teams that won the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and a gold medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

He was awarded the title of Man of the Tournament in the Kabaddi World Cup 2016. Additionally, he has won gold medals at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship, & a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. In 2019, Ajay Thakur received the Padma Shri Award, the fourth highest civilian honor in the Republic of India, as well as the Arjuna Award. He played for the Bengaluru Bulls team for two seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League and later represented the Puneri Paltan team in subsequent seasons. Ajay Thakur excels as an attacking player, utilizing his signature moves such as the frog jump and the running hand touch. Watching him launch off the ground, touch one or more defenders while in the air, and land beyond anyone's reach before running away to safety is a remarkable sight.

He is famously known for single-handedly rescuing his team from difficult moments. He earned the title of 'Iceman' for his ability to remain calm under pressure. Over time, his style of play has evolved from toe touch to running hand touch, escape, and turn. He is regarded as an intelligent raider, leveraging his strengths while concealing his weaknesses. Thakur experienced injuries during the third and fourth seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League while playing for the Puneri Paltan team, but he made a successful recovery. Currently, he serves as a member of the Himachal Pradesh Police Service cadre, holding the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police.