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Naveen Kumar is a professional Indian Kabaddi player who represents both the Indian national Kabaddi team and Dabang Delhi KC in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). He is well-known for his fast raiding and is considered one of the top raiders in the league.
Wiki/Biography
Naveen Kumar Goyat was born on Monday, 14 February 2000 (age 23 years; as of 2023) in Sultanpur, Haryana, India. His zodiac sign is Aquarius. After completing his school education, he went to Kurukshetra University to pursue his graduation. Naveen Kumar’s grandfather, a wrestler, introduced him to the sport. Naveen Kumar was the first person in his village to become a professional athlete. In a media interview, he narrated that after winning his first local kabaddi tournament, he decided to participate in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and began putting on weight. He said,
They used to watch PKL and saw the players are all well-built. I used to weigh 70 kgs at the time, so they decided to double my food intake every day. I used to have a litre of milk every day, they made it two litres. And they stuffed me with almonds. I couldn’t handle it. I did it for five days and then told my parents I can’t do this anymore. They agreed, but only after a few stomach upsets.”
Naveen Kumar (1st from left) with Ajay Kumar during his early days in Kabaddi. Naveen is with Ajay during a PKL game in the second photograph
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 10″
Weight (approx.): 76 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 40 Inches, Waist: 34 Inches, Biceps: 12 Inches
Family
Parents & Siblings
His father, Sansar Singh Goyat, used to work as a driver for Haryana Roadways. His mother, Meena Goyat, is a homemaker.
A picture of Naveen Kumar’s parents
He has a sister named Sonam Goyat.
Naveen Kumar with his sister
Wife
On 22 March 2023, Naveen Kumar got married to Meenakshi Baliyan Goyat.
Naveen Kumar with his wife, Meenakshi, on their wedding day
Other Relatives
His cousin ‘Jyoti Goyat’ is a national Kabaddi player who often plays at the Khelo India Kabaddi championships.
Career
In 2016, the Haryana Kabaddi team selected him during the State Final warm-up matches to represent Sonipat against the Rajasthan team. Naveen Kumar played his first Junior National Kabaddi championships in 2016.
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
In 2018, Naveen Kumar started playing for Dabang Delhi in Season 6 of PKL and scored 177 points, helping the team get to the playoffs. In Season 7, he won the Most Valuable Player Award, and the team came in second place. Naveen became known as one of the best raiders in the league, scoring 300 points in a single season. He got the nickname ‘Naveen Express’ for his fast raids and became the quickest player ever to reach 600 points in the league.
Internationals
In 2022, he played for the Indian Kabaddi team at the Asian Games in Iran and won a gold medal with the team.
Naveen Kumar during Asian Games (2022)
In the final match, India won against Iran with a score of 33-29. Naveen Kumar also took part in the 13th South Asian Games and scored a Super 10 in the final against Sri Lanka. After that, he played in the Asian Kabaddi Championships 2023 in Busan, where he helped India win another gold medal. He was then chosen for the Asian Games 2023 hosted by China.
Naveen Kumar after winning a gold medal in Busan
Car Collection
Naveen Kumar owns a KIA car.
Naveen Kumar posing with his KIA
Favourites
- Film: Sufna (Punjabi) (2020)
Facts/Trivia
- He also goes by the names Naveen Express and Naveen Meena Sansar .
- Naveen Kumar follows a vegetarian diet.
- He is the first and youngest player to join the Pro Kabaddi League, born in the twenty-first century.
- Once, in a media discussion, Naveen Kumar narrated that there were several grounds in his village where kabaddi was often played, and he used to play kabaddi in school during physical training classes.
- He is coached by Jagbir Sihag.
Naveen Kumar with his coach
- Naveen Kumar is an animal lover. He frequently uploads pictures of his pet dog ‘Jackey’ on social media.
Naveen Kumar with his pet dog
- Naveen Kumar’s inspiration is national kabaddi champion ‘Ajay Thakur.’ In a media interview, he narrated his first encounter with Ajay Singh. Naveen Kumar said,
I am inspired by Ajay Thakur whom I saw first in Pro Kabaddi season 1, 2014. I am training my mindset to perform like him and love his skills and footwork. His hand touches on defenders is simply mind-blowing.”
- He likes to dance, swim, and travel to distant places in his free time.
Naveen Kumar enjoying during a trip