In a heartfelt and historic moment for Indian sports, Pardeep Narwal, one of the most iconic names in kabaddi, announced his retirement from professional play on June 2, 2025, at just 28 years old.
The decision came in the wake of an unexpected turn — Narwal went unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, a development that stunned fans, former players, and analysts alike.
Nicknamed the “Dubki King” for his electrifying signature move, Pardeep Narwal debuted in the PKL in 2015 and rapidly became the sport’s most feared raider. With a staggering 1801 raid points in 190 matches, he retires as the all-time top scorer in PKL history.
His golden era came during his time with the Patna Pirates, where he:
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Led the team to a historic hat-trick of championships (Seasons 3 to 5)
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Redefined raiding with his agility, tactical sharpness, and unmatched dubki
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Became the face of kabaddi’s mainstream rise in India
The PKL 2025 auction delivered a surprising blow — Narwal received no bids, despite being fit and available. While franchises seemed to focus on younger, more agile talent, some insiders speculate concerns over Narwal’s recent form or injury history may have played a role.
Still, the absence of interest in a player of such stature felt like an abrupt closing chapter to a storied career. Fans took to social media in disbelief, trending hashtags like #ThankYouDubkiKing and #PardeepNarwalForever within hours of the announcement.
Pardeep’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the biggest kabaddi arenas in the country has been inspirational. His success helped make kabaddi cool, commercial, and youth-driven, paving the way for countless aspiring raiders.
While he retires from professional play, Narwal has hinted at staying involved with the sport, possibly through coaching, mentoring, or even broadcast analysis.
“I gave kabaddi everything I had. Now it’s time to support the next generation the way the sport supported me,” Narwal said in his emotional farewell statement.
As kabaddi evolves and enters new global markets, Pardeep Narwal’s legacy will remain central to its history — not just for the records he broke, but for the spirit, skill, and showmanship he brought to every match.
