Former India kabaddi skipper falls into river, rescued by Uttarakhand Police in Haridwar

Arjuna awardee and former Indian kabaddi team captain Deepak Hooda was dramatically rescued on Wednesday after being swept away by the powerful currents of the River Ganga in Haridwar.

Members of the 40th Battalion of the Uttarakhand Police were in the vicinity and quickly launched a courageous rescue operation.

Speaking with Sportstar, Hooda recounted a frightening experience: “I was observing a fast for Mahashivratri and went to pray in the Ganga when I lost my footing and fell into the swiftly flowing river. Despite the intense current pulling their boat off course, battalion officers bravely jumped in and pulled me to safety.”

The Uttarakhand Police shared a video of the rescue on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Hooda also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the officers who saved his life, acknowledging their heroic efforts in the “life-threatening situation.” He also confirmed that he’s safe and sound at home after a routine hospital check-up.

Hooda was part of the Indian team that won a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games and a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games. He is regarded as one of the most influential all-rounders to grace the mat in the Pro Kabaddi league (PKL).