Former India Kabaddi team captain Deepak Hooda had a frightening experience in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Earlier today, he got stuck in the fast-moving waters of the River Ganga but was quickly rescued by a local rescue team.
Hooda, who has received the Arjuna Award, had gone to take a holy dip in the Ganga at Har Ki Paudi during the sacred month of Sawan. But things took a dangerous turn when the strong river current swept him away, and he lost control. Thankfully, help arrived in time, and he was brought to safety.
Uttarakhand Police shared the full story on their official X (formerly Twitter) account. In a post, they wrote:
“Star Kabaddi player… and a heroic rescue by Uttarakhand Police. Arjuna Award winner and former Team India captain Deepak Hooda got stuck in the strong currents of the Ganga River. The 40th battalion of the state police, who were nearby at the time, quickly acted and safely rescued him.”
They also mentioned that Deepak Hooda warmly thanked the police team for their quick and brave response.
Deepak Hooda, known as one of India’s top all-round kabaddi players, has recently made headlines for personal controversies. Earlier this year, his wife, former boxing world champion Saweety Boora, accused Hooda and his family of mentally and emotionally harassing her for dowry.
She also claimed that the Hisar police did not handle the case properly. Saweety said, “On March 11, I told the Hisar SP that I no longer wish to live with him. I don’t want any money—just a divorce and my personal belongings.”
She mentioned that she submitted a list of some of her belongings, but no action was taken even after a month. “I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and the Home Minister to help me get justice. I stayed silent for a long time, hoping things would improve peacefully,” she added.
Deepak Hooda’s PKL career

Deepak Hooda is currently facing tough times in his kabaddi career, as no team has picked him in the last few Pro Kabaddi League seasons. Despite this, he has had an impressive career in PKL, earning 1000 raid points and 91 tackle points.
After a year filled with controversies, Hooda found himself in trouble once more. However, this time it was off the mat—he got stuck in a dangerous situation but was thankfully rescued by the alert Uttarakhand Police rescue team.
FAQ
What happened to Deepak Hooda?
Deepak Hooda, a well-known Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) player, got trapped in the strong rapids of the Ganga River during an outing.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in Uttarakhand, a state in northern India known for its rivers and tourist activities like rafting and trekking.
Was Deepak Hooda injured during the incident?
No serious injuries were reported. He was safely rescued by the Uttarakhand Police with help from their emergency response teams.
How was he rescued?
The Uttarakhand Police acted quickly, using safety equipment and rescue techniques to pull Deepak Hooda out of the water safely.
Why was Deepak Hooda near the Ganga River?
He was reportedly on a personal visit, possibly for relaxation or adventure activities like rafting, which are popular in the region.