In the heart of the United States, where sports like basketball, football, and baseball reign supreme, a new name is carving its legacy in an unexpected arena—Kabaddi. Meet Amardeep Singh, a dynamic and passionate Kabaddi player who has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for the sport’s growing community in the USA. With his relentless determination, electrifying skills, and unwavering commitment, Amardeep is not just a player; he’s a trailblazer redefining Kabaddi’s global footprint. This biography delves deep into his life, career, and the indomitable spirit that has made him a standout figure in American Kabaddi.
Early Life: Roots and Resilience
Amardeep Singh was born on June 15, 1995, in Fresno, California, to a family of Punjabi immigrants who carried with them the rich traditions of India. Growing up in a close-knit Sikh household, Amardeep was introduced to Kabaddi at a young age by his father, a former village-level player in Punjab. The sport, deeply embedded in Punjabi culture, became a bridge connecting Amardeep to his heritage. As a child, he’d watch his father and uncles play informal matches during community gatherings, their shouts of “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” echoing through the air.
Life in Fresno wasn’t always easy. Amardeep’s parents worked tirelessly—his father as a truck driver and his mother in a local factory—to provide for their family. Despite financial constraints, they nurtured his curiosity and encouraged his love for sports. At school, Amardeep excelled in wrestling and track, showcasing his natural athleticism. But it was Kabaddi that ignited a fire within him. At age 12, he joined a local youth Kabaddi team organized by the Punjabi diaspora, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Discovering Kabaddi: A Passion Ignited
Unlike the structured sports programs dominating American schools, Kabaddi offered Amardeep a raw, unfiltered thrill. The game’s blend of strategy, speed, and strength captivated him. Under the guidance of community elders, he honed his skills on dusty fields and makeshift courts. His agility and fearless raiding style quickly set him apart. By 16, Amardeep was competing in regional tournaments across California, earning whispers of “the next big thing” among Kabaddi enthusiasts.
His breakthrough came in 2013 at the California Kabaddi Championships, where he led his team to victory with a jaw-dropping performance—scoring 18 raid points in the final match. Spectators were mesmerized by his lightning-fast dashes and ability to outsmart defenders twice his size. This win wasn’t just a trophy; it was a declaration that Amardeep Singh was here to dominate.
Rise in the USA Kabaddi Scene
Kabaddi in the United States was still in its infancy during Amardeep’s teenage years, largely confined to South Asian communities. However, his talent caught the eye of organizers aiming to elevate the sport’s profile. In 2015, he joined the newly formed California Raiders, a semi-professional team in the American Kabaddi League (AKL). Amardeep’s explosive energy transformed the team into a powerhouse. As a raider, he mastered the art of the “dubki” (a diving maneuver to evade tackles) and the “hand-touch,” leaving defenders grasping at air.
By 2018, Amardeep had become the AKL’s poster boy. His stats were staggering—averaging 12 raid points per match and leading the league in successful raids for two consecutive seasons. Off the mat, his charisma and humility won over fans. He’d often stay late after matches, mentoring younger players and signing autographs, embodying the spirit of a true sportsman.
International Spotlight: Representing the USA
Amardeep’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed beyond American shores. In 2020, he earned a spot on the USA National Kabaddi Team, a milestone that filled him with pride. Representing a country where Kabaddi was still an underdog sport, he debuted at the Kabaddi World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia. Facing seasoned teams from India, Iran, and Pakistan, Amardeep held his own, scoring 45 raid points across five matches. Though the USA didn’t advance, his performance earned rave reviews, with analysts dubbing him “America’s Kabaddi Maverick.”
Back home, he continued to push boundaries. In 2022, he captained the USA team at the North American Kabaddi Championship in Toronto, leading them to a historic silver medal—the country’s best finish in an international tournament. His leadership shone through as he rallied his teammates against Canada’s formidable squad, clinching a nail-biting 38-35 semi-final win.
Playing Style: The Art of a Modern Raider
What makes Amardeep Singh a standout Kabaddi player? It’s his electrifying blend of power and precision. Standing at 6 feet with a lean, muscular build, he combines brute strength with cat-like reflexes. His signature move—the “scorpion kick”—is a crowd-pleaser, where he leaps over defenders while tagging them with his foot. Coaches praise his stamina, noting how he maintains intensity even in the final minutes of a match.
Amardeep’s mental game is equally impressive. He studies opponents meticulously, exploiting their weaknesses with calculated raids. “Kabaddi is chess with muscles,” he once told a local sports magazine. “You’ve got to outthink them before you outrun them.” This strategic mindset has made him a nightmare for defenders and a hero for aspiring players.
Challenges and Triumphs
Amardeep’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Balancing Kabaddi with a full-time job as a logistics coordinator tested his resolve. The sport’s limited funding in the USA meant he often paid out of pocket for travel and training. Injuries, too, took their toll—a sprained ankle in 2021 sidelined him for three months. Yet, each setback fueled his comeback. “Pain is temporary,” he’d say, “but giving up isn’t an option.”
His biggest triumph came in 2024 at the USA Kabaddi Open, where he was named MVP after scoring a record-breaking 25 raid points in the final. The victory, witnessed by a roaring crowd of 5,000, marked a turning point for Kabaddi’s visibility in America—and Amardeep was at its heart.
Personal Life: Grounded Yet Ambitious
Off the mat, Amardeep is a family man. He lives in Fresno with his wife, Simran Kaur, a schoolteacher, and their toddler son, Arjun. Simran, his high school sweetheart, has been his rock, cheering him on at every match. “She’s my biggest critic and my loudest fan,” he laughs. The couple often hosts community events to promote Kabaddi, dreaming of a day when it’s as mainstream as soccer.
Amardeep’s faith plays a central role in his life. A devout Sikh, he credits his discipline and resilience to his spiritual beliefs. “Wearing my turban on the mat is my pride,” he says. “It reminds me who I am and where I come from.”
Legacy and Future: A Vision for Kabaddi
At 29, Amardeep Singh is in his prime, with his sights set on bigger goals. He’s training for the 2026 Kabaddi World Cup, determined to lead the USA to a podium finish. Beyond playing, he’s passionate about growing the sport. He’s launched a youth academy in Fresno, coaching kids from diverse backgrounds. “I want Kabaddi to be for everyone—Punjabi, American, anyone who loves a challenge,” he says.
As of March 21, 2025, Amardeep remains a force to be reckoned with. His journey—from a Fresno kid with a dream to a USA Kabaddi icon—is a testament to grit, talent, and the power of chasing what sets your soul ablaze. Whether he’s dodging tackles or inspiring the next generation, Amardeep Singh is writing a story that transcends borders and mats alike.