Kabaddi ace Anup Kumar announces retirement
Kabaddi legend Anup Kumar announced his retirement with immediate effect on the background of the Pro Kabaddi League 2018. The player drew curtains on an illustrious career that spanned over 15 years. He made the announcement as his team, Jaipur Pink Panthers faced Gujarat Fortunegiants at Panchkula in the PKL. A widely admired player, Anup has been a pioneer of the sport.
Anup began his international career in the year 2006 at the South Asian Games held in Sri Lanka. He was part of the Indian National Kabaddi team that secured gold medals in 2010 and 2014 respectively. He captained India in 2014 and led the side to two gold medals. India impressed at the Asian Games in 2014 and the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016.
Anup started his PKL career with U Mumba. He won the most valuable player in the first season itself and captained the side. He led the team to its maiden title the following year in 2015. In 2016 too, he saw the team reach another finale. Anup joined Jaipur Pink Panthers for the sixth season after being released by U Mumba.
He is regarded as one of the best raiders of the sport. He shined with his multiple skills like bonus, hand touch and toe touch. Anup was a master of bonus points. He is famously known as 'Bonus ka Badshah.'
Anup told reporters after his side's match in the PKL, "I don't have any specific plans for the future but I promise I will be in touch with kabaddi in some way or the other. I won't be seen on the kabaddi mat, but would be around for sure. I think I'm open to mentor young kids."
