Indian Railways Triumphs at 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship

The 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara concluded with Indian Railways emerging as champions. Over four days, the tournament featured thrilling matches, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents. Key highlights included significant victories and nail-biting finishes, culminating in a decisive final where Indian Railways defeated Maharashtra. This event not only celebrated the sport but also highlighted the evolving kabaddi ecosystem, setting new benchmarks for quality and competitiveness as teams prepare for future challenges, including the Asian Games in 2026.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 15:38 IST

A Grand Kabaddi Showcase

Over the course of four days, the 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship unfolded in Vadodara, featuring fifty-four matches among twenty-nine teams, culminating in the crowning of one champion. This event was not merely a tournament; it reaffirmed the significance of the Nationals as the core of Indian kabaddi. From the initial whistle at the Sama Indoor Complex to the final moments of the championship match, the competition showcased the sport's essence—strength, skill, and unpredictability.

Tournament Highlights

As per the tournament's press release, several notable performances stood out:

1. Tamil Nadu achieved a remarkable 59-point victory over Manipur on Day 1.

2. Uttar Pradesh followed suit with a 37-point win against the same team on Day 2.

3. Maharashtra showcased their prowess by defeating Uttar Pradesh in the semifinals.

4. A shocking twist occurred when Uttar Pradesh eliminated the defending champions, Services, in a thrilling match.

5. The match between Railways and Chandigarh ended in a nail-biting tie at 38-38, resolved only through a tense tie-breaker.

Indian Railways Clinches the Title

Ultimately, Indian Railways emerged victorious, demonstrating clinical precision and relentless determination. Under the leadership of Sunil Kumar, the team effectively combined offensive raids with robust defense, overpowering Maharashtra with a score of 49-31 in the final. Key players included Pankaj Mohite, whose raids were impactful, Ashu Malik, who excelled under pressure, and Shubham Shinde, whose tackling set a strong defensive tone. Their success was attributed to a blend of depth, discipline, and the ability to perform in high-stakes situations.

Highlighting the Kabaddi Ecosystem

This edition of the Senior Nationals also emphasized the broader kabaddi landscape. Bhavani Rajput's impressive tally of 58 raid points throughout the tournament showcased the talent emerging from various regions. The leadership of Arjun Deshwal for Uttar Pradesh, Aditya Shinde's contributions for Maharashtra, and Pawan Sehrawat's dynamic play for Chandigarh illustrated the seamless integration between the domestic circuit and the professional league.

Setting New Standards for Indian Kabaddi

Vadodara served as the backdrop for a vibrant celebration of India's traditional sport, characterized by packed crowds, intense competition, and the unmistakable sounds of kabaddi. Over these four days, the Nationals reaffirmed their status as the ultimate test of team strength and individual resilience. As teams head home and preparations begin for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan in 2026, it is clear that this 72nd edition has established a new standard—not only in terms of outcomes but also in quality, competitiveness, and confidence.