Anup Kumar is an Indian former professional Kabaddi player and coach of the Puneri Paltan Pro Kabaddi League team.
Wiki/Biography
Anup Kumar, also known as Captain Cool & Bonus Ka Badshah, 1 was born on Sunday, November 20, 1983 (age 40 years; as of 2023) in Palra, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He completed his education at an Open University. 2 He started playing Kabaddi as a pastime when his coach introduced him to the game because of his athletic structure during his school days.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 6′ 0″
Weight (approx.): 80kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 42”; Waist: 34”; Biceps: 15”
Family
Parents & Siblings
Anup’s Father, Late Ransingh Yadav, was in Indian Army.
A picture of Anup Kumar’s father
His mother’s name is Ballo Devi and she is a housewife.
Anup Kumar with his mother
Anup has an elder brother named Rajesh Yadav and two elder sisters, one being Neelam.
Anup with his elder sister
Wife & Children
His wife’s name is Seema.
Anup Kumar with his wife
The couple has a son named Avi.
Anup Kumar and his son Avi
Religion
Anup Kumar follows Hinduism. 3
Anup in a temple
Career
Position: Raider
Jersey Number: 3
League: Pro Kabaddi League
Debut: 2006 South Asian Games
Coached By: Amar Singh Yadav
Coach of: Puneri Paltan
Teams Played For: Indian National Kabaddi Team, U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers
Amar Singh Yadav, who was the coach for the CRPF Kabaddi team at that time, noticed Anup and recommended him to join CRPF. Upon his suggestion, Anup joined the CRPF in 2005 as a constable and earned a spot in the Delhi Kabaddi team. Presently, he serves as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Haryana (as of May 2023).
Anup Kumar as a Deputy Commissioner of the Police
International Career
Anup Kumar made his international debut at the 2010 Asian Games. They won the final match and took home the gold medal by beating Iran 20-37. They won again in 2014, winning gold by beating Iran 27-25. He also led the team to victory and won gold at the 2016 South Asian Games. Anup Kumar was the captain and played well to help India win the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.
Pro Kabaddi League
Anup Kumar was signed to U Mumba in the 1st season as a captain where he led his team scoring 155 raid points and 35 tackle points in 16 matches. He captured a Pro Kabaddi League title in the 2nd season conquering Bengaluru Bulls in the finals with a score of 36-30.
Anup Kumar playing with U Mumba
He scored 74 raid points and 7 tackle points in 14 matches. In subsequent seasons, he showcased his skills while playing for U Mumba. In the 6th season, he was signed by Jaipur Pink Panthers, he scored 38 raid points and 12 tackle points in 13 matches.
Playing Statistics
Raiding
Matches Played: 91
Total Raids: 1348
Raid Points: 523
Avg. Time on Mat (%): 40.25
Avg. Out Rate: 16.26
Avg. Strike Rate (%): 39.35
Effective Points: 325
Tackling
Matches Played: 91
Main Tackles: 250
Tackle Points: 102
Avg. Time on Mat (%): 40.25
Avg. Out Rate (%): 50.33
Avg. Strike Rate (%): 50.87
Avg. Success Assists (%): 20
Retirement
He retired from Kabaddi on December 19, 2018, after completing 15 years in the sport.
Awards, Honours & Achievements
Awards
- Arjuna Award (2012)
Anup Kumar with Arjuna Award
Achievements
- Most Valuable Player of the Tournament (PKL) – 2014
- Highest score in the Inaugural League of Pro Kabaddi League with 169 points
- The only player to captain a team in the finals for consecutive three years
Medals
- Asian Games 2010(Guangzhou) – Gold
- Asian Games 2014(Incheon) – Gold
- South Asian Games 2006(Colombo) – Gold
- South Asian Games 2010(Dhaka) – Gold
- South Asian Games 2016(Guwahati & Shillong) – Gold
- Kabaddi World Cup 2016 – Gold
Autograph
Anup signing a t-shirt for a fan
Bike Collection
He owns a Royal Enfield.
Anup Kumar posted about his bike
Favourites
- Food: Curd, milk, and butter
- Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
- Player: Mohit Chhillar
Facts/Trivia
- During an interview, Neelam, Anup’s elder sister, disclosed that their father had fears related to Anup playing kabaddi as he was concerned it would impact his studies. Despite their father’s disapproval, Anup would jump walls and sneak out of the house to indulge in his passion for the sport. His father finally relented and allowed him to pursue sports when Anup started winning prizes and rewards. Eventually, Anup secured a spot through the sports quota, as his academic performance was considered “mediocre” by his father.
- He coached the junior Kabadi team that emerged as winners of the Junior Kabaddi World Cup 2023.
Anup Kumar with the junior Kabaddi team
- Anup Kumar has opened his academy for Kabaddi named ‘Future Fighter Academy’ in his native place Gurgaon, Haryana.4
Anup Kumar in his academy
- He was famous for earning extra points and for his hand and toe touches. Due to his ability to add bonus points to his score, he was famously known as the “Bonus ka Badshah.”
- He decided to retire on the day of his son’s birthday to always associate the two special occasions.
Anup Kumar’s retirement day
- He was part of the Khel Mahakumbh 2017 which is a State level annual sports festival held in Ahmedabad, Gujrat.
Anup Kumar at Khel Mahakumbh 2017
- Anup Kumar was awarded by the Haryana government for his services as a servant of kabaddi. He further dedicated this award to his fans and supporters.
Anup Kumar’s post about winning the award from Haryana Government
- He likes to keep himself fit and is often seen hitting the gym. He also likes yoga and swimming.
Anup Kumar working out in the gym
Anup Kumar doing Yoga
Anup Kumar swimming
