Gagan Gowda: The Tall, Fearless Raider Shaping the Future of Indian Kabaddi
Full Name: Gagan Raju Gowda
Date of Birth: May 22, 2003
Hometown: Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Position: Right Raider
Team: UP Yoddhas (PKL)
Early Life and Background of Gagan
Gagan Gowda was born and raised in Mangalore, Karnataka. From a young age, he was drawn to sports. Before kabaddi, he enjoyed volleyball, but his natural speed and athleticism pushed him toward kabaddi during his teenage years.
Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gagan Raju Gowda |
| Born | May 22, 2003 (Mangalore, Karnataka) |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Position | Right Raider |
| Domestic Team | Hampi Heroes (Yuva Kabaddi Series) |
| PKL Team | UP Yoddhas |
| Best Performance | 260+ Raid Points in Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 |
He began playing kabaddi seriously at 13, training at local academies and competing in district-level tournaments. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Gagan’s height became both his strength and his challenge. It gave him an edge in reach and flexibility, but it also made it harder for him to stay within weight limits for junior competitions. Despite missing a few early opportunities, his determination never faded.
His journey was supported by his family and mentors in Mangalore, who believed in his potential. Alongside sports, he pursued his studies at SDM College, Ujire, balancing academics with intensive training.
Gagan Gowda's Rise Through the Yuva Kabaddi Series
Gagan’s big break came in the Yuva Kabaddi Series (Summer Edition 2023) when he played for the Hampi Heroes. This was the turning point in his career.
In that tournament, Gagan emerged as one of the most consistent and impactful raiders:
Scored over 260 raid points in just 23 matches
Recorded multiple Super 10s and Super Raids
Maintained one of the best raid success rates of the tournament
Fans and coaches took notice of his calm under pressure, sharp footwork, and ability to steal bonus points in tight moments. His mix of height, reach, and timing made him a nightmare for defenders.
That breakout performance put him on the radar of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) scouts and it didn’t take long before he earned a call-up.
Journey in the Pro Kabaddi League
In 2023, UP Yoddhas signed Gagan Gowda, marking his debut in PKL Season 10. He quickly became one of the most promising young raiders in the league.
In his early PKL matches, he showed composure beyond his years. His ability to use his height for hand touches, along with quick escapes and smart bonus pickups, made him a reliable scorer.
Over time, he improved his game sense knowing when to attack, when to retreat, and how to read defenders’ positions. His not-out percentage and raid efficiency improved every match, proving that he’s learning and evolving with each season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gagan is not just tall he’s tactically sharp. His main strengths include:
Height Advantage: Excellent for hand touches and bonus points.
Composed Raiding: He doesn’t rush; he studies defenders before making a move.
Balance of Power and Patience: Rarely panics under pressure, even during do-or-die raids.
Consistency: Stays focused throughout the match, minimizing errors.
His calm, strategic approach is inspired by greats like Ajay Thakur, whose leadership and timing he deeply admires.
Challenges and Mindset
Gagan’s story isn’t just about talent it’s about persistence. Missing out on early national-level events due to weight and height issues could have broken his spirit, but instead, he used those setbacks as motivation.
He has openly said in interviews that discipline, humility, and self-belief are his biggest strengths. Off the mat, he’s quiet and grounded. On the mat, he’s aggressive, focused, and fearless.
Future Goals and Outlook
At just 22, Gagan Gowda has a long career ahead. With each PKL season, he’s adding more experience and refining his techniques. His focus is on improving his fitness, reaction time, and tactical decision-making.
If he continues on this path, he has the potential to become one of India’s top raiders in the next few years and a regular name in the Indian national kabaddi team.