Vishal Bhardwaj- The Ankle Assassin

Meet Vishal Bhardwaj, the fearless defender with an unyielding grip on the game of kabaddi. With his signature move, the ankle hold, he has earned the reputation of being a formidable force on the mat. As he takes to the court, opponents tremble in anticipation, knowing that facing "The Ankle Assassin" will be an arduous battle.

Brace yourself for Vishal Bhardwaj's relentless defense and unwavering spirit as he strives for glory in the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023.

Age and Background:

Vishal Bhardwaj, born on January 1, 1997, hails from a humble background in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Raised in a middle-class family with no prior sporting legacy. While basketball initially captivated his attention in school, fate had a different sport in store for him. It was kabaddi that beckoned Vishal, and his extraordinary potential was recognized by his school's sports coach.

In those early days, Vishal's role on the kabaddi mat was that of a raider, drawing inspiration from the likes of the revered kabaddi raider Ajay Thakur. As he showcased his talents in inter-school tournaments, his skill and dedication grew, paving the way for numerous appearances in domestic and district-level competitions. It was only a matter of time before Vishal's exceptional abilities caught the eye of talent scouts, propelling him to the junior kabaddi team.

On the international stage, Vishal's prowess shone brightly as he donned the national colors and represented his country with immense pride. His remarkable performances earned him a coveted gold medal, solidifying his status as a rising star.

Recognizing his immense potential, Vishal's junior kabaddi coach extended an irresistible offer, inviting him to join the coaching setup that nurtured the talented players of the Telegu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Though initially a raider, fate steered Vishal's path towards a different role as a defender when he became a part of the PKL.

Role and Playing Style:

Vishal Bhardwaj is hailed as the finest young defender in India, revered for his exceptional skills and the deadly ankle hold technique. Standing tall, he combines agility, strength, and tactical acumen to outwit raiders on the mat. With his lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled ability to immobilize opponents with his ankle hold, he has become a nightmare for raiders attempting to breach his defense.

Domestic Team:

Vishal Bhardwaj has represented the Telugu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) since season 4, showcasing his defensive prowess and contributing to the team's success. His skills and leadership qualities earned him the captaincy role, guiding the Titans towards their first PKL title in season 6.

While for PKL season 8 in 2021, Vishal represented Puneri Paltan and was bought back by Telugu Titans in PKL season 9. He has also played for teams like Himachal Pradesh, NWA (Narwal Academy), AI (Air India).

Current Team:

Vishal Bhardwaj is a core-team player for the Telugu Titans, marking his debut with the team. His presence in their ranks is set to bolster their defensive line and enhance their chances of clinching the coveted PKL title.

PKL Price:

Vishal Bhardwaj made a big move in PKL season 8, joining Puneri Paltan for a whopping Rs 60 Lakhs. However, in a surprising turn of events, he returns to the Telugu Titans' camp for a steal deal of ₹30 lakhs for PKL season 9.