In the heart of Poland, where sports like football and volleyball have long reigned supreme, a new name is carving its way into the annals of athletic history—Arek Górski. Known for his electrifying presence on the kabaddi mat, Arek has emerged as a trailblazer in a sport that’s steadily gaining traction across Europe. With his relentless energy, strategic brilliance, and unyielding passion, Arek Górski is not just a player; he’s a symbol of Poland’s growing love affair with kabaddi. This is the story of a man who turned an ancient Indian game into a personal odyssey, captivating fans and inspiring a generation.
Early Life: A Spark Ignites in Kraków
Born on April 15, 1995, in the historic city of Kraków, Arek Górski grew up in a household where sports were more than just a pastime—they were a way of life. His father, a former amateur boxer, and his mother, a dedicated long-distance runner, instilled in him a deep appreciation for physical discipline and mental toughness. As a child, Arek was a bundle of energy, often seen sprinting through the cobblestone streets of his neighborhood or challenging friends to impromptu wrestling matches in the local park.
While football dominated the Polish sports scene, Arek’s curiosity led him to explore beyond the mainstream. At the age of 14, he stumbled upon a local kabaddi demonstration organized by a group of Indian expatriates. The raw intensity of the sport—the blend of speed, strength, and strategy—captivated him instantly. “It was like nothing I’d ever seen,” Arek recalls. “One moment you’re chasing, the next you’re defending. It felt like a battle of wits and willpower.” That day, a spark ignited within him, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey.
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Ronil Patni, Gabriel Ledniowski , Paweł Śpiczko , Edward Sucharda , Anton Chmielow , Bartosz Sujata , Damian Łuc , Krzysztof Sawicki , Arek Górski , Grzegorz Franków , Gabriel Łaskowski , , Dawid Więckowski
The Kabaddi Awakening: A Teenager’s Bold Leap
Kabaddi was still a niche sport in Poland during Arek’s teenage years, but its underground appeal was growing. In 2010, he joined a fledgling kabaddi club in Kraków, one of the first of its kind in the country. Under the guidance of coach Janusz Kowalski, a pioneer in Polish kabaddi, Arek quickly honed his skills. His natural athleticism—standing at 6 feet with a lean, muscular frame—gave him an edge, but it was his relentless work ethic that set him apart.
Arek’s early days on the mat were a mix of triumphs and setbacks. As a raider, he learned to dart past defenders with lightning speed, mastering the art of the “toe-touch” and the “scorpion kick.” Yet, his inexperience often left him vulnerable to seasoned tacklers. Undeterred, he spent hours studying footage of Indian kabaddi legends like Anup Kumar and Pardeep Narwal, adapting their techniques to his own style. By 2013, at just 18, Arek was named captain of his local team, leading them to a regional championship and catching the eye of national selectors.
Rising Through the Ranks: Poland’s Kabaddi Prodigy
Arek’s breakthrough came in 2015 when he earned a spot on the Poland national kabaddi team. At the time, Poland was beginning to make waves in the European kabaddi circuit, thanks to players like Michal Spiczko, who had already debuted in India’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Arek’s inclusion marked a turning point. His debut at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad, India, was nothing short of spectacular. Facing off against powerhouse teams like Iran and South Korea, he showcased his versatility—scoring crucial raid points and anchoring the defense with bone-crushing tackles.
One unforgettable moment came during Poland’s match against Iran, the reigning world champions at the time. With the score tied and seconds ticking down, Arek executed a daring raid, evading three defenders to secure a bonus point that clinched a historic upset victory. The crowd erupted, and Arek’s name echoed through the stadium. “That was when I realized kabaddi could be my legacy,” he later said. Poland finished fourth in their group, a respectable showing that put the nation on the global kabaddi map—and Arek at the forefront.
The Pro Kabaddi Dream: A Polish Star in India
Arek’s performances didn’t go unnoticed. In 2018, scouts from the Pro Kabaddi League, the world’s premier kabaddi competition, invited him for trials. The PKL, with its glitzy arenas and millions of viewers, was a far cry from the modest courts of Kraków. Arek seized the opportunity, joining the Bengaluru Bulls as a wildcard entry for Season 6. At 23, he became the third Polish player to grace the league, following in the footsteps of Spiczko and Piotr Pamulak.
Life in India was a whirlwind. Arek adapted to the humid climate of Bangalore, the spicy cuisine, and the intense training regimen alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. His debut match against the Telugu Titans was a baptism by fire—scoring 7 raid points and earning the “Best Emerging Player” tag for the night. Over the season, he racked up 62 raid points and 18 tackle points, proving his worth as an all-rounder. Fans dubbed him “The Polish Panther” for his stealthy raids and ferocious defensive stands.
Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming the Odds
Arek’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. A knee injury in 2019 sidelined him for six months, forcing him to miss Poland’s European Championship campaign. Doubts crept in—would he ever regain his peak form? But Arek’s resilience shone through. With rigorous physiotherapy and a steely determination, he returned stronger, leading Poland to a gold medal at the 2021 European Kabaddi Championships in Warsaw. His 15-point performance in the final against Holland was a masterclass in grit and skill, cementing his status as a national hero.
Off the mat, Arek faced cultural challenges too. Kabaddi’s obscurity in Poland meant limited funding and recognition. He often worked part-time as a fitness trainer to support his career, all while advocating for the sport’s growth. “I want kids in Poland to dream of kabaddi the way they dream of football,” he says passionately. His efforts paid off in 2023 when Poland hosted its first international kabaddi tournament, with Arek as the face of the event.
The All-Rounder’s Legacy: A Bright Future Ahead
As of March 22, 2025, Arek Górski stands at the peak of his career at 29 years old. With over 200 international raid points and a reputation as one of Europe’s finest all-rounders, he’s a cornerstone of Poland’s kabaddi resurgence. His recent performance at the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup in England—where Poland reached the quarter-finals—earned him the “Best All-Rounder” award, a testament to his dual-threat prowess.
Off the field, Arek is a mentor and ambassador. He runs kabaddi clinics for Polish youth, sharing his story of perseverance and inspiring the next generation. Rumors swirl of a potential return to the PKL in Season 12, with teams like the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Puneri Paltan reportedly vying for his signature. Wherever he goes, Arek carries the hopes of a nation eager to see kabaddi soar.
Personal Life: The Man Behind the Mat
Beyond the spotlight, Arek is a grounded soul. He enjoys hiking in the Tatra Mountains, strumming his guitar, and savoring his mother’s pierogi on visits home. In 2022, he married his high school sweetheart, Kasia, a graphic designer who designs his custom kabaddi gear. “She’s my biggest cheerleader,” he grins. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Zofia, in early 2025, adding a new layer of motivation to his already stellar career.
Arek Górski: A Name Etched in Kabaddi Lore
From the streets of Kraków to the mats of India, Arek Górski’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of sport to transcend borders. He’s not just Poland’s kabaddi star—he’s a global icon in the making. As he continues to break barriers and redefine what’s possible, one thing is clear: Arek Górski isn’t just playing kabaddi; he’s rewriting its story for a new era.