Introduction

Meet Khushi Duggan, a dynamic kabaddi stopper from Dirba village, Sangrur, Punjab. Known for his defensive strength and agility, Khushi has made a name in circle-style kabaddi both in India and abroad.

Early Life & Background

Full Name: Khushdeep Singh Gill (often known as Khushi Duggan or Khushi Dirba)
Hometown: Dirba village, Sangrur district, Punjab, India
Family & Upbringing: His father, Nirmal Singh, and mother Harbans Kaur, and a family environment steeped in kabaddi traditions helped shape his sporting interest early on.
Education: He completed his schooling at Sant Attar Singh Academy, Mastuana, and later at Akal School, Bahadurpur, then graduated from National College, Bhikhi.
Early Sport Inclination: In his youth, Khushi played football and athletics, but his passion shifted firmly to kabaddi, inspired by his father’s and uncles’ involvement in the sport.

Career Journey & Milestones

Beginning on the Local Scene

Khushi began playing in his village, Dirba, and participated in local tournaments starting around 2007-2008
He played for his home-club and then started appearing in wider regional and international events.

Rise in Circle Style Kabaddi

His role: Stopper — the defensive backbone of the team in Punjab/circle style kabaddi.
He gained recognition for his performances in tournaments abroad (e.g., Canada, UK) and is listed among the top stoppers.

Noteworthy Appearances

• A player profile lists him with “Punjab Dirba” and identifies his speciality as a stopper

• He is featured in “Top 10 Stoppers” lists of players in his discipline.

Current Status

Khushi continues to play, train and appears in kabaddi circles both domestically and internationally. His social media presence also reflects his ongoing involvement.

Playing Style & Strengths

• Defensive expertise: As a stopper, his job is to shut down raiders, read their moves, and execute tackles. Recognised for his discipline and anticipation.

• Circle-style experience: He plays in the traditional Punjab/circle style format, which involves different dynamics compared to indoor/exhibition formats. (For example, two stoppers cannot tackle the raider simultaneously, etc.)

• Physical fitness & training: Background stories indicate a strong training ethic – gym work, early morning runs, and diet discipline.

• Adaptability: Playing abroad (UK, Canada) and in multiple environments suggests he can adapt to different styles and competition levels.

What aspiring players can learn:

• Build anticipation and reading the game rather than relying solely on strength.

• Focus on fitness, speed, and reflexes – key for a stopper.

• Experience different tournaments/conditions to broaden game sense.

Achievements & Recognition

• Listed on major player databases as one of the top defenders/ stoppers in Punjab style kabaddi.

• Biography sources mention participating (and winning) tournaments abroad (UK, Canada) and big events in India.

• Featured on platforms such as Kabaddi365 with his profile and a tag line “Stopper” marking his speciality.

Note: While exact statistics (number of tackles, etc) are not widely published, his reputation and listing among top players speaks volumes.

Challenges & Personal Insights

• Khushi has spoken about coming from a small village and overcoming limited exposure in the early years.

• He had an early injury (in his eyes) that forced a temporary break.

• Balancing education & sport: he completed his schooling and college while rising in kabaddi.

Takeaway for readers: Success often comes from perseverance, adapting despite setbacks, and making the most of local opportunities.

Fan Connection & Beyond the Mat

• Khushi has a strong fan following and a dedicated YouTube channel with more than 129 000 subscribers (as of recent analytics) showing his popularity beyond just the sport.

• The enthusiasm among fans is clear:

Why Khushi Duggan Matters for Kabaddi & Its Growth

• He represents grassroots rise: from a village in Punjab to international recognition, showing the pathway exists.

• His speciality as a stopper underlines the importance of defence in the game — often raiders get more spotlight, but stoppers like Khushi are equally vital.

• With kabaddi gaining international interest, players like Khushi help promote the sport globally through tournaments abroad and online presence.