Vikul Lamba: Early Life, Domestic Career, UPKL Achievements, Social Media and More

Vikul Lamba is a talented left raider from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, who has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in Indian kabaddi. Born on November 16, 1999, Vikul has shown remarkable growth across multiple kabaddi platforms, from winning the inaugural UPKL championship to becoming a recognized raider in Pro Kabaddi League. 

Early Life & Family

Vikul Lamba was born on November 16, 1999, in Bijnor, a district located in western Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, Vikul was exposed to the strong kabaddi culture of the region. The state of Uttar Pradesh has always been a breeding ground for kabaddi talent, with many young athletes pursuing the sport from their childhood. Bijnor district, in particular, has produced several good kabaddi players who have gone on to play in various state and national tournaments.

From his early years, Vikul showed a keen interest in kabaddi, joining local clubs and training centers where he developed his basic skills as a raider. The support from his family and local coaching helped him understand the technical aspects of the game. He trained to become a left raider, a position that requires quick feet, sharp instincts, and the ability to make rapid decisions on the mat. His dedication to learning the sport and improving his game day after day helped him stand out among other young players in his locality.

The strong kabaddi community in Uttar Pradesh provided Vikul with the right environment to grow. He learned from experienced players and coaches who guided him through the basics of raiding, footwork, and match strategies. His childhood training in small tournaments and district-level competitions gave him the confidence and experience needed to compete at higher levels later on.

Domestic Career

Vikul Lamba’s domestic kabaddi career started at the grassroots level, where he participated in various local and state tournaments in Uttar Pradesh. His performances in these matches caught the attention of team selectors and kabaddi officials. His consistent raiding and tactical awareness marked him as a rising talent in the state.

State-Level Competitions

At the state level, Vikul represented Uttar Pradesh in several national and inter-state tournaments. These competitions served as important platforms for him to test his skills against strong opponents from other states. His participation in the 38th National Games in 2023 was a significant milestone in his career. He was selected as part of the Uttar Pradesh men’s kabaddi team for this prestigious tournament, which is considered one of the biggest sporting events in India after the Olympics.

National Games Success

At the 38th National Games held in 2023, Vikul Lamba played a key role in helping the Uttar Pradesh team achieve gold medal success. This victory was a major achievement for him and for the entire state kabaddi program. Winning at the National Games gave him valuable exposure and helped him gain recognition beyond his home state. The experience of playing at such a high level against the best players from different states strengthened his game and gave him confidence for future competitions.

Senior National Championship Appearances

Vikul has also participated in the Senior National Kabaddi Championship, which is the premier domestic tournament in India. These appearances have allowed him to compete against some of the best established players in the country. Through these tournaments, he gained match experience and learning that proved helpful in his professional league career.

UPKL Journey

The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has been the most significant platform for Vikul Lamba’s career growth. The league focuses on developing local kabaddi talent and providing them with professional opportunities.

UPKL Season 1: Championship Glory with Lucknow Lions

In UPKL Season 1 (2024), Vikul Lamba was bought by Lucknow Lions for ₹74,000. Lucknow Lions had a strong squad led by their star raider Arjun Deshwal. Playing alongside experienced players and top raiders, Vikul got the chance to learn and grow. The Lucknow Lions performed exceptionally well throughout the season and went on to win the inaugural UPKL championship, defeating Sangam Challengers 59-33 in the final. As part of the championship-winning team, Vikul’s contribution in both raiding and defending was important to the team’s success. Winning the UPKL title as a young player gave him confidence and recognition within the professional kabaddi circuit.

UPKL Season 2: Rise to Stardom with Kashi Kings

In UPKL Season 2, Vikul Lamba was sold to Kashi Kings for ₹1.00 lakh in the auction. This was a higher price than what he fetched in the first season, showing the growing value placed on him as a player. Playing for Kashi Kings, Vikul had the opportunity to take on a bigger role in the team. In this season, he played 13 matches and completed 90 raids, showing his consistent raiding ability. His performance with both raids and tackles caught the attention of league officials and fans alike.

The standout moment of Vikul’s UPKL Season 2 campaign came when he achieved a historic milestone. He became the first player in UPKL history to win both the Best Raider award and the Best Defender award in the same season. This double achievement highlights his versatility on the mat. It shows that Vikul is not just a one-dimensional player who only raids or only defends. Instead, he brings value to his team in multiple aspects of the game, which is what makes him special.

Achievements

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)

Vikul Lamba’s entry into the Pro Kabaddi League came during Season 11 when he was signed by Haryana Steelers. Although his playing time was limited (3 matches), it marked a major step in his career. Playing in the PKL, the highest professional kabaddi league in India, is a dream for many kabaddi players. Even though his personal statistics in those matches were modest (2 points in 3 matches), just being part of a PKL team was a significant achievement for a young player. Haryana Steelers went on to win the PKL Season 11 title, making Vikul a PKL champion at a young age, even if his role was limited.

National Games Champion

Vikul Lamba was crowned a 38th National Games champion after helping the Uttar Pradesh men’s kabaddi team win gold. This is one of his most valued achievements and shows his ability to perform at the national level against top players from all over India.

Junior Level Success

Before reaching the senior level, Vikul achieved success in junior national competitions. He was a junior national runner-up on two occasions, which shows that he was among the top young kabaddi players in the country during his junior years.

Social Media

Over his career, Vikul has grown from a local kabaddi player to a recognized name in the professional kabaddi circuit. He has attracted sponsors and media attention, with his Instagram account (@vikul_kabaddi_30) gathering a following of kabaddi fans who admire his style of play and his contributions to the sport.

Conclusion

Vikul Lamba’s journey from a young player in Bijnor to becoming one of the rising stars of Indian kabaddi is a story of hard work and dedication. Starting from local tournaments, he has progressed to win the UPKL championship, represent Uttar Pradesh at the National Games, and play in the Pro Kabaddi League. His achievement of winning both the Best Raider and Best Defender awards in UPKL Season 2 shows his growth as a complete kabaddi player. His performances as a left raider for Kashi Kings and his earlier success with Lucknow Lions have made him one of the important players in the UPKL. With his talent, experience, and continuous improvement, Vikul Lamba is set to remain a significant player in Indian kabaddi for years to come. His contribution to the sport shows that Uttar Pradesh continues to produce skilled kabaddi players who can compete at the highest levels and bring honor to their teams.

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