Ajay Thakur (born 1 May 1987) is an Indian former professional Kabaddi player and the former captain of the Indian National Kabaddi Team. He currently serves as the coach of Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabbadi League.He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was part of the national teams which won 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and gold medal at 2014 Asian Games. He was awarded the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award in 2019.

He is a member of Himachal Pradesh Police Service cadre where he currently serves as a Deputy superintendent of police.

Thakur was born in Dabhota village of Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh to Rajinder Kaur and Chottu Ram. He was inspired by his cousin Rakesh who had already represented India in Kabaddi at international level. He married Sandeep Rana on April 10, 2019.

Ajay Thakur has been described as one of the best Indian raiders. He represented his employer Air India at the Industrial National Championships. He also captained the India team in 2017 and led them to gold. He led the Himachal men's team at the 67th Senior Nationals Kabaddi Championship 2020.

He is a member of Himachal Pradesh Police Service cadre where he currently serves as a deputy superintendent of police.

In Season 1, Thakur played 15 matches and scored 122 raid points as well as 5 tackle points while playing for Bengaluru Bulls.

In season 2, Thakur played 13 matches and scored 79 raid points as well as 1 tackle point while playing for Bengaluru Bulls.

In season 3, Thakur played 14 matches and scored 52 raid points as well as 4 tackle points while playing for Puneri Paltan.