In the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping world of Kabaddi, few names resonate with as much promise and passion as Nishant Kajla. A dynamic player hailing from the United States, Nishant has emerged as a trailblazer, bridging the gap between the traditional South Asian roots of Kabaddi and its growing popularity in the West. With his relentless energy, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication, he has carved a unique niche for himself in the sport, captivating fans and inspiring a new generation of players. This is the story of Nishant Kajla—a man whose journey from humble beginnings to the Kabaddi mat is nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life: A Spark Ignites
Nishant Kajla was born on July 15, 1995, in a small town in California to Indian immigrant parents who carried with them a deep love for their cultural heritage. Growing up in a household where stories of Kabaddi legends like Anup Kumar and Pardeep Narwal were shared over dinner, Nishant developed an early fascination with the sport. While his peers were engrossed in basketball and football, Nishant found himself drawn to the raw intensity and physicality of Kabaddi—a game that demanded agility, strength, and sharp instincts.
As a child, Nishant was no stranger to challenges. Living in a country where Kabaddi was still an obscure sport, he had limited access to formal training or local teams. Undeterred, he would gather friends in his backyard, marking makeshift courts with chalk and practicing raids and tackles until dusk. His parents, recognizing his passion, enrolled him in weekend cultural programs where Indian expatriates occasionally organized Kabaddi matches. It was here that Nishant’s natural talent began to shine—he was quick on his feet, fearless in his raids, and possessed an uncanny ability to read his opponents.
The Journey to Kabaddi: From Backyards to Big Dreams
By the time Nishant reached high school, his love for Kabaddi had only deepened. At 16, he joined a local Indian-American sports club that sporadically hosted Kabaddi tournaments. Though the infrastructure was basic and the competition modest, Nishant stood out as a prodigy. His signature move—a lightning-fast “running hand touch”—left defenders scrambling, earning him the nickname “California Cheetah” among his peers. Coaches and senior players took notice, urging him to pursue the sport more seriously.
After graduating high school in 2013, Nishant faced a pivotal decision: follow a conventional path to college or chase his Kabaddi dreams. He chose both. Enrolling at the University of California, Davis, he balanced academics with an unrelenting training regimen. He sought out every opportunity to play, traveling across states to participate in amateur tournaments organized by the growing Indian diaspora. It was during one such event in 2015, the Northern California Kabaddi Open, that Nishant’s life changed forever. Scouts from the newly formed USA Kabaddi Federation spotted his explosive performance—a 15-point raid spree in a single match—and offered him a spot on the national training squad.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Star in the Making
Nishant’s entry into the USA Kabaddi scene marked the beginning of an electrifying chapter. At just 20 years old, he was thrust into a world of seasoned players, many of whom had roots in Punjab or Haryana—Kabaddi’s heartlands. Yet, Nishant’s unorthodox style, honed outside the traditional ecosystem, gave him an edge. He blended American athleticism with the tactical finesse he’d absorbed from watching Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) matches, creating a hybrid approach that baffled opponents.
His debut for the USA national team came in 2017 at the Kabaddi Masters Tournament in Toronto, a friendly competition featuring teams from Canada, India, and the United States. Nishant, then an untested rookie, stunned spectators with a series of daring raids, leading his team to a surprising upset victory over Canada. His performance earned him the “Best Raider” award of the tournament and cemented his reputation as a rising star. From that moment, there was no looking back.
The Prime Years: Dominating the Mat
Between 2018 and 2022, Nishant Kajla evolved into one of the most formidable Kabaddi players in North America. Standing at 6 feet tall with a lean, muscular frame, he combined brute strength with cat-like agility, making him a nightmare for defenders. His signature “escape raid”—where he’d feint a tackle, pivot mid-air, and sprint back to safety—became a highlight reel staple. Off the mat, his charismatic personality and fluency in English helped him connect with a diverse audience, boosting Kabaddi’s visibility in the U.S.
In 2020, Nishant led the USA team to a historic bronze medal at the Kabaddi World Cup qualifiers held in Malaysia, a feat that put American Kabaddi on the global map. His standout moment came in a nail-biting match against Australia, where he executed a “Super Raid,” tagging four defenders in a single breath and turning the game in his team’s favor. Fans dubbed it the “Kajla Miracle,” and the clip went viral across social media, garnering millions of views.
Nishant’s success wasn’t limited to international play. He also joined the American Kabaddi League (AKL), a semi-professional circuit launched in 2021 to promote the sport locally. Playing for the California Thunderbolts, he topped the raid points chart in the inaugural season, finishing with an impressive 182 points across 12 matches. His leadership qualities shone through as he mentored younger players, fostering a sense of camaraderie and professionalism in a sport still finding its footing in the U.S.
Overcoming Adversity: The Comeback King
No champion’s journey is without setbacks, and Nishant’s came in 2023 when he suffered a severe knee injury during a practice session. A torn ACL sidelined him for nearly a year, casting doubt on his future in Kabaddi. For a player whose game relied heavily on speed and agility, the injury was a devastating blow. Yet, Nishant’s resilience proved stronger than his physical limitations. He underwent rigorous rehabilitation, spending hours in the gym rebuilding his strength and studying game footage to refine his strategies.
His comeback in 2024 was nothing short of cinematic. At the USA Kabaddi Nationals, Nishant returned to the mat with a vengeance, leading the Thunderbolts to a championship title. His performance—scoring 25 raid points in the final—silenced doubters and reaffirmed his status as a top-tier player. Teammates and fans alike hailed him as the “Comeback King,” a testament to his grit and determination.
Nishant Kajla in 2025: A Global Ambassador
As of March 21, 2025, Nishant Kajla stands at the peak of his career at 29 years old. With the Kabaddi World Cup looming later this year, he’s spearheading the USA team’s preparations, aiming to secure a podium finish against powerhouses like India and Iran. Off the field, Nishant has become a vocal advocate for Kabaddi’s growth in the West, collaborating with organizations to introduce the sport in schools and universities. His YouTube channel, “Kajla’s Kabaddi Corner,” features tutorials, match analyses, and personal vlogs, amassing a loyal following of over 100,000 subscribers.
Nishant’s influence extends beyond statistics. He’s a symbol of possibility—a kid from California who turned an unfamiliar game into a personal legacy. His story resonates with immigrants, dreamers, and underdogs, proving that passion and perseverance can transcend borders and rewrite narratives.
Personal Life: The Man Behind the Mat
Away from the spotlight, Nishant remains grounded. He resides in Sacramento with his wife, Priya, a former collegiate volleyball player, and their young daughter, Aria. An avid reader and fitness enthusiast, he often credits his family’s support as the backbone of his success. In interviews, he’s quick to deflect praise, emphasizing teamwork over individual glory—a trait that endears him to fans and teammates alike.
Legacy in the Making
Nishant Kajla’s journey is far from over, but his impact on USA Kabaddi is already indelible. He’s not just a player; he’s a pioneer, pushing the sport into uncharted territory with every raid, tackle, and smile. Whether he’s dodging defenders or inspiring the next generation, Nishant embodies the spirit of Kabaddi—fearless, relentless, and fiercely human. As he continues to break barriers and chase greatness, one thing is certain: the “California Cheetah” is here to stay, and the world of Kabaddi is all the richer for it.