Haryana Steelers Academy Triumphs in Inaugural HS Cup

Haryana Steelers Cup Concludes with a Grand Finale

On March 29, the Haryana Steelers Academy clinched victory at the first-ever Haryana Steelers Cup (HS Cup) by defeating Sports Centre Geong at the BRS Kabaddi Academy located in Dighal.

As per an official announcement, this tournament featured 61 teams from regions including Rohtak, Hisar, and Sonipat, marking a pivotal move by Haryana Steelers to establish a well-structured grassroots framework for kabaddi in the state. The HS Cup utilized a multi-stage format, catering to players aged 16 to 20 years. The competition progressed through zonal rounds, ultimately narrowing down to six teams in the league phase, where each team played five matches before the top two advanced to the finals.

Star-Studded Finals

The final match was graced by notable figures such as Kulbir Alhawat, the Founder of BRS Kabaddi Academy, fitness influencer Mehtab Singh, Sports Director of MDU Shakuntala Beniwal, and Haryana Steelers Head Coach Manpreet Singh. Vinay Tewathia, a player from the PKL Season 11 championship team, also attended and engaged with the participants.

A Thrilling Encounter

The championship match was fiercely contested, with both teams demonstrating exceptional discipline and skill. The Haryana Steelers Academy made a remarkable comeback to secure the title, following an unbeaten streak in the group stage.

The event attracted a large audience of players, coaches, and local community members, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that highlighted the increasing interest in grassroots kabaddi within the state.

Nurturing Future Talent

After the match, Haryana Steelers Head Coach Manpreet Singh remarked, "The level of competition we observed throughout the HS Cup has been incredibly promising. There is a wealth of talent in the state. Events like this are essential for identifying and nurturing young players early in their careers. Our goal through this tournament is to create a structured pathway that offers exposure to young athletes and helps them grasp the demands of competing at a professional level."

Awards and Recognition

The tournament featured a prize pool of Rs 5 Lakhs, rewarding the winners, runners-up, and standout individual performers. Ishant from Haryana Steelers Academy was recognized as the Best Raider with 49 points, while Harsh from Naultha School earned the title of Best Defender with 29 tackle points.

The Haryana Steelers Cup represents a significant advancement in fortifying the grassroots framework of kabaddi in the state, combining competition, talent identification, and development under a cohesive structure.