Nitesh Kumar Carrying Forward Kabaddi Legacy with Bengal Warriorz

Bengal Warriorz defender Nitesh Kumar, inspired by his family’s kabaddi heritage, is the third-highest tackle points scorer in PKL history with 409 points in 150 matches. A 2022 Asian Games gold medalist, he once set the record of 100 tackle points in PKL 6. After reviving form last season, he aims for greater impact in PKL 12.

When the story of Nitesh Kumar is told, it begins with a strong family legacy in kabaddi. The Bengal Warriorz defender, now 27, grew up inspired by his uncle Sukhvir Singh Sangwan, who won gold at the 2006 Asian Games, and trained under his father Sanjay Kumar, a kabaddi coach and former BSF officer. His dedication paid off when Nitesh himself became part of the Indian team that clinched gold at the 2022 Asian Games.

In the Pro Kabaddi League, Nitesh made his mark early, setting a record of 100 tackle points in Season 6, the highest ever in a single season. Over the years, he has accumulated 409 tackle points in 150 matches, placing him third on the all-time list behind Fazel Atrachali (545) and P O Surjeet Singh (443).

His leadership skills shone in Season 7 with 75 points, though his form dipped in Seasons 9 and 10 before reviving with Bengal Warriorz in Season 11, where he registered 59 tackle points. As he heads into Season 12, retained through the Final Bid Match rule, Nitesh is focused on fitness and skills. With new additions like raider Devank Dalal, he believes Warriorz can reach the playoffs and aim for the final.