Sumit Sangwan

Sumit Sangwan is an Indian kabaddi defender who has spent his entire Pro Kabaddi League career with UP Yoddhas. Standing 6 ft tall, he joined the franchise as a New Young Player in Season 7 and grew into one of the pillars of its defence, earning the captaincy for PKL Season 12 in 2025.

Early life

Sangwan was born on 24 March 1999 in Adampur Dadhi, in the Bhiwani district of Haryana. Kabaddi runs in the family: his father, a farmer, is a former kabaddi player. Sangwan also works for Indian Railways.

PKL career

Sangwan entered the league in 2019, making his debut for UP Yoddhas in Season 7. It was a strong start. He scored 80 points that season, 77 of them from tackles, with 7 High 5s, and he was named Young Player of the Season.

He has stayed loyal to the Yoddhas ever since, posting 63 points in Season 8, 56 in Season 9, 66 in Season 10 and 73 in Season 11, when he had 72 tackle points. Across six seasons and 130 matches he has 385 PKL points, including 372 tackle points and 29 High 5s.

Season 12

UP Yoddhas named Sangwan captain for Season 12 at a jersey unveiling event in Lucknow, with fellow Season 7 debutant Ashu Singh as vice-captain. A PKL press release described their partnership as the foundation of the Yoddhas’ defensive strategy.

In the season, Sangwan played 18 matches and scored 47 points, 46 of them from tackles, with 5 High 5s. His tackle strike rate was 51%. In a 41-29 defeat to Jaipur Pink Panthers in Jaipur, he led the fightback with four tackle points, though his side could not close the gap.

Style of play

Sangwan is known for his agility, timing and tactical intelligence, and the PKL press release noted that he has consistently ranked among the league’s top defenders in recent seasons. The Yoddhas management highlighted his commitment, discipline and team-first mindset, and said his appointment as captain reflected his ability to inspire and lead from the front.

Statistics and team history: Pro Kabaddi League.