Haryanas Ashish Malik Shines in PKL Season 12 for Bengal Warriors

At just 20, Haryana’s Ashish Malik is making an impact in his third PKL season with Bengal Warriors. In six matches, he has earned four High 5s, contributing 23 points with a 55 percent tackle success rate. Hailing from Lakhan Majra, Rohtak, Malik rose from village tournaments to India’s junior team and credits family, mentors, and coach Naveen Kumar for his growth.

When the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 kicked off, Haryana’s Ashish Malik, just 20 years old, emerged as one of the standout defenders for Bengal Warriors. Hailing from Lakhan Majra in Rohtak, Malik has progressed from local village tournaments to representing India at the junior level, winning gold at both the All-India Junior Kabaddi Federation Cup in 2022 and the Junior Kabaddi World Cup in 2023.

In six matches this season, Malik has achieved four High 5s, contributing 23 points to his team with a tackle success rate of 55 percent. Despite personal success, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork and turning close matches into victories. His growth has been supported by mentors like veteran defender Nitesh Kumar and captain Devank Dalal, who provide guidance and motivation on and off the mat.

Malik also credits coach Naveen Kumar for fostering a positive environment, offering individual attention, and helping the team stay confident despite setbacks. Raised by his mother and grandmother after losing his father, Malik acknowledges his family’s unwavering support, which allowed him to pursue Kabaddi without distractions. His journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a focus on improving team performance while making a mark in the PKL.