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Most of us live such sheltered lives, that we can never imagine the setbacks people face. Each person has two choices in life- to settle for mediocrity or to aim for more. Of course, there isn’t anything wrong in either option, but it is when we are at our lowest that we actually make this decision. Surrounded by unscalable obstacles, it is always easier to give up on a dream… but sometimes, the dreams are so powerful that every obstacle disappears by itself!
Such has been the case of kabaddi player Deepak Niwas Hooda, who at a very young age, conquered multiple demons to do what he does best, play kabaddi.
Dealing with personal losses is always much more difficult than professional ones, but Hooda was determined.
The youngster from Rohtak is truly an inspiration and his life story needs to reach millions.
Deepak Niwas Hooda Biography
Details | |
Full Name | Deepak Niwas Hooda |
Age | 25 years |
Sport Category | Kabaddi (All-rounder) |
Date of Birth | 10 June 1994 |
Hometown | Rohtak, Haryana |
Height | 5.9 ft |
Weight | 80 kg |
Parent | Ram Niwas |
Teams Played for | Indian National Kabaddi Team, Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers |
Family Background and Early Life
Deepak was born and raised in Chamaria village in Rohtak, Haryana. He lost his mother when he was just four years old. His father and elder sister raised him. Unfortunately, tragedy struck once again when he had hardly become a teenager. Hooda lost his father as well in 2013.
Coming from a humble family, Hooda didn’t have financial backup and had to start working to support himself. Hooda had to discontinue his school and started working as a teacher. He played kabaddi in evenings. Those years were hard, but the young lad was determined.
“I developed an interest in kabaddi since it was an avenue to earn money for my sister and her kids,” narrated Hooda in an exclusive interview with prokabaddi.com.
“I thought that if I can get a job in the sport, I will be able to give them a better life. Though I was young, I put my heart into it. The circumstances had made me grow up.”
He wanted to pursue graduation as well. As soon as things settled a bit, he took up a university course. It was during this phase that he truly shone. Hooda began displaying his immense talent at the university level. He won the gold medal at the All-India University tournament. He was a part of the Haryana team that bagged gold at the Senior National level tournament in Patna in 2014.
Biggest Support
The bond Deepak Hooda shares with his sister have consistently been his biggest strength. Losing their parents at such an early age, the siblings have always had each other’s’ back. Even today, Hooda celebrates every milestone with her.
After being signed on by the Jaipur franchise for a record amount in PKL, he was ecstatic and quoted by New Indian Express as-
“I am going to go home as fast as possible to celebrate this incredible day with my sister and her children. I do take care of them, so I will be spending some amount for their education and welfare.”
Indian Team
Hooda couldn’t have had a better start to his career. He made his Indian team debut at the South Asian Games 2016 and went on to have his golden moment by winning the gold medal.
I am so happy today for my elder brother @ajaythakurkabaddi on him being nominated for Padam Shri, the highest civilian award!
You totally deserve it Ajay! I have learnt so many things from you including important virtues like discipline, teamwork and leadership. pic.twitter.com/4AQDSRkBrU— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) January 26, 2019
Thank you sir @narendramodi for giving us your precious time. Such A wonderful speech that motivate us & Inspired A Lot.
We will try our best to make India Proud. ??#jaihind #kabaddi #teamindia #team #ASIANGAMES2018 pic.twitter.com/OXzTAudkbu— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) September 7, 2018
He was also positive about a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games as well.
“There’s no lack of quality in the team’s defence. Players come and go, but the team remains the same. Today, I’m a part of the team. But tomorrow, perhaps some younger player will take my place. All we want to do is to win gold for India at the Asian Games.”
Unfortunately, the team had to settle for a bronze.
An integral part of the team, Hooda takes dual roles for National duty. He practices with the raiders as well as defenders. So national camps turn out to be very hectic for the talented all-rounder.
Pro Kabaddi League
"Retained"
A tag which shows the trust and belief @juniorbachchan and @JaipurPanthers management has shown. I can only remember one thing which Abhishek Bachchan always said to us-
"Play for the Panther embedded on your chest and then for the name written on your back!" ? pic.twitter.com/CMOqXSCoNP— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) March 25, 2019
When Pro Kabaddi League began in 2014, Hooda received the second highest bid of 12.6 lakh rupees by Telugu Titans. After playing with them for two seasons, in 2016 he joined Puneri Paltan. In the third season of the league, he was finally able to be a part of a team that got a podium finish.
Then he was signed by the Jaipur Panthers for a stunning amount of Rs. 1.15 crore
Jaipur Panthers
Overview
Matches Played: 103 || Points: 785 || Career Best Points: 20 || Not Out Percentage: 81.24
Achievements
2016 Kabaddi World Cup
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2016 | Ahmedabad, India | Team | Gold |
2018 Asian Games
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2018 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Team | Bronze |
Asian Kabaddi Championships
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2017 | Gorgan, Iran | Team | Gold |
2018 Dubai Kabaddi Masters
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2018 | Dubai, UAE | Team | Gold |
South Asian Games
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2016 | Guwahati, India | Team | Gold |
Social Media
Always refreshing to visit the land of dreams – #Mumbai! The scorching heat has got the city sweat it out but not slow down even a bit! ?Mumbai!
.
Excited for the upcoming auctions and @ProKabaddi Season VII! pic.twitter.com/HXFEhmGcC7— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) April 2, 2019
Rise and shine friends! It's a Sunday morning! What are your plans today?
.#Kabaddi #Athlete #Sports pic.twitter.com/iKbgvpjclm— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) March 10, 2019
Discover your wings and soar away. It just needs awakening and a little insight in your own mind.
.#Kabaddi #Athlete #ThrowbackThursday #Fitness #ProKabaddi #JaipirPinkPanthers pic.twitter.com/wamwJKXLtU— Deepak Niwas Hooda (@DeepakHooda5555) February 21, 2019
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