Ganga Kings Upset Gazab Ghaziabad in Thrilling Kabaddi Clash

In a gripping encounter during the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2, Ganga Kings defeated Gazab Ghaziabad 44-38, disrupting their playoff aspirations. The match showcased intense competition, with Ganga Kings leveraging a strong defense to secure their victory. Despite Gazab's efforts to mount a comeback, the gap proved insurmountable. This result adds a new twist to the playoff race as other matches unfold in the Do-or-Die Week. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match and its implications for the league standings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 03:25 IST

Intense Kabaddi Showdown on Day 15 of UPKL Season 2

The opening match of the Do-or-Die Week during Day 15 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 was crucial for both teams. Ganga Kings from Mirzapur, who were already eliminated from the top-four race, faced off against Gazab Ghaziabad, who were in fourth place and needed a victory to secure their playoff spot. The match took place at the Noida Indoor Stadium, where former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dinesh Sharma, was honored before the game, as stated in a UPKL press release.

Ganga Kings Thwart Gazab Ghaziabad's Playoff Aspirations

The match kicked off with both teams evenly matched, exchanging raids and tackles in the initial moments. However, as the game progressed, Ganga Kings strengthened their defensive strategy and began to take control. Their solid defense paid off as they managed to force Gazab Ghaziabad into an all-out situation twice, establishing a significant lead and shifting the momentum in their favor.

In the second half, Gazab Ghaziabad tried to elevate their game and succeeded in forcing an all-out on Ganga Kings, momentarily reigniting their hopes for a comeback. Nevertheless, the gap was too substantial to close, and Ganga Kings skillfully managed the game, preventing Gazab from gaining the sustained momentum they needed. In the final moments, Ganga Kings kept their composure under pressure, ensuring Gazab remained at a distance and clinching a 44-38 victory.

Playoff Race Intensifies

This outcome was pivotal in the context of the Do-or-Die Week, as Ganga Kings, despite being out of the top-four race, thwarted Gazab Ghaziabad's playoff ambitions, adding another layer of intrigue to the playoff race. On the same day, additional matches took place, including Lucknow Lions versus Brij Stars, Aligarh Tigers against Yamuna Yoddhas, and JD Noida Ninjas facing Kashi Kings, each match carrying significant implications for the final league standings.