Kabaddi Icon Rakesh Kumar Appointed U Mumba’s Head Coach, Aims for a New Era of Success

Kabaddi stalwart Rakesh Kumar is back with U Mumba, this time in a new role as the team's head coach, marking a fresh chapter in the franchise's Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) journey. The three-time Asian Games gold medallist and former captain of the Indian national team brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and tactical expertise to the squad.

A recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Rakesh is one of the most celebrated figures in the sport. Known for his disciplined approach and strategic brilliance, he has always been a commanding presence on the mat.

U Mumba has built excitement around his return with the #Se7enIsBack campaign, emphasizing his strong leadership qualities and the franchise's commitment to long-term success.

With Rakesh stepping into this coaching role, U Mumba is focused on developing a squad capable of consistently competing at the highest level. His leadership is expected to strengthen the team's foundation while staying true to the franchise's legacy of resilience and excellence in the PKL.

Welcoming him back to the fold, U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok expressed his enthusiasm for this reunion.

"Rakesh Kumar is one of India's finest kabaddi players, a three-time Asian Games gold medallist, an Arjuna Awardee, and, most importantly, a former U Mumba player. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome him back, this time as our Head Coach. His respect among players is unmatched, and he shares the same vision we have-to push the team towards greater success. This is an exciting phase for both him and the franchise."

Rakesh was the highest-paid player in the inaugural PKL season and later joined U Mumba in Season 3, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His vast experience in both playing and coaching-having previously led Haryana and Indian Railways-makes him a valuable asset in guiding U Mumba to new heights.

Expressing his excitement about returning in a leadership role, Rakesh said:

"It feels great to come back to U Mumba after all these years. As a player, I donned the Mumba jersey with pride, and now I have the responsibility of coaching the team. My goal is to build a strong squad that can replicate the dominance we saw in the early seasons of PKL. We will work hard to get back to that level. I am grateful for this opportunity."

With Rakesh at the helm, U Mumba is determined to reinforce its defensive strength and craft a balanced raiding unit. His arrival has sparked enthusiasm among fans, who are eager to see how his strategic insights shape the team's future. The nostalgia of his past contributions, coupled with the anticipation of his coaching impact, has set the stage for an exciting new era for U Mumba in the Pro Kabaddi League.