In the high-energy world of Kabaddi, a sport often described as a grueling hybrid of wrestling, rugby, and tag, 3SG (NS) Yathukulan Ahdhitthyan has carved out a unique legacy. At just 21 years old, the former section commander from the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) has successfully balanced the rigors of National Service (NS) with the elite demands of representing Singapore on the international stage.
His journey reached a historic peak at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where he helped the national team secure a triple-bronze haul in a sport that only recently gained a formal foothold in Singapore.
While Kabaddi is a traditional powerhouse in South Asia, its official journey in Singapore began as recently as 2019 with the formation of the Kabaddi Association of Singapore (KAS). Ahdhitthyan’s involvement, however, dates back to his early teens.
- Started at 13: Introduced to the sport by a family friend, the Victoria School alumnus was immediately drawn to the physical, “rough” nature of the game.
- The Raider Role: Ahdhitthyan excels as a “raider,” the player tasked with entering the opponent’s half, tagging defenders, and returning safely—all while maintaining a single breath.
- Physicality: Standing with a broad, athletic frame, he credits his love for contact sports as the driving force behind his nine-year dedication to the court.
The SEA Games 2025 Triumph
Representing Singapore in Thailand from December 9–20, 2025, was Ahdhitthyan’s most significant career milestone. Despite the team’s relative lack of international experience compared to regional giants like Thailand and Indonesia, the Singaporean squad defied expectations.
The Medal Haul: The Men’s team clinched Bronze medals in all three contested categories:
- Standard
- Super Five
- Three Stars
“My mind went blank with joy. Everyone was in a different state of shock, and some of my coaches were even crying their eyes out!” — 3SG (NS) Yathukulan Ahdhitthyan
Balancing the Beret and the Jersey
One of the most impressive aspects of Ahdhitthyan’s achievement was his status as a Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) during the lead-up to the Games. Serving as a commander in an active infantry battalion (1 SIR) meant his schedule was packed with regimental duties and field exercises.
- Unit Support: Ahdhitthyan expressed deep gratitude to his then-Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), 2WO Eugene Wong, who supported his training by de-conflicting his duties with Wednesday night national practices.
- Resilience: He credits NS for teaching him the “mind over body” philosophy, a mental toughness that allowed him to push through physical pain during intense tournament matches.
- Peer Support: His platoon mates at 1 SIR were his unofficial cheering squad, jokingly asking for food from overseas while covering for him so he could attend preparatory tournaments.
Family: The Secret Ingredient
Behind the scenes, Ahdhitthyan’s family provided the emotional and physical support necessary to sustain his dual roles. He shares a particularly close bond with his father, whom he describes as his “biggest supporter.”
- Post-Training Recovery: Despite his “grumbles,” Ahdhitthyan’s father provided oil massages after grueling training sessions to help his son recover.
- Mental Strength: His family’s encouragement instilled a “finish what you started” mentality that carried him through the toughest weeks of balancing NS and sports.
After completing his full-time National Service in January 2026, Ahdhitthyan is looking toward a future that involves both academic and athletic growth. He plans to stay active in the Singapore Kabaddi scene for the remainder of the year before heading to Australia for his university studies.
His Advice for Fellow NSF Athletes:
“Set aside some time early on to talk to your superiors about it. As long as operational requirements are met, they will support you if they can!”
