Indian Railways Triumphs at the 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship
A Grand Showcase of Kabaddi in Vadodara
Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], March 2: Over the course of four days, the 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship unfolded, 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 heart of Indian kabaddi.
From the initial whistle at the Sama Indoor Complex to the final moments of the championship match, the competition showcased the essence of kabaddi—strength, skill, and unpredictability.
Veteran players from the Pro Kabaddi League donned their state jerseys, eager to showcase their prowess once more. Meanwhile, rising stars took advantage of the opportunity to shine on this prestigious domestic platform.
As reported by the tournament organizers, there were notable victories, including Tamil Nadu's impressive 59-point win against Manipur on the opening day, followed by Uttar Pradesh's 37-point triumph over the same team on Day 2, and Maharashtra's strong semifinal performance against Uttar Pradesh.
Unexpected outcomes also marked the event, such as Uttar Pradesh eliminating the defending champions, Services, in a thrilling match. The excitement peaked when Railways and Chandigarh ended regulation time tied at 38-38, leading to a nail-biting tie-breaker.
Ultimately, Indian Railways emerged victorious, demonstrating clinical precision and determination.
Under the leadership of Sunil Kumar, Railways showcased a well-rounded team that effectively combined offensive prowess with solid defense, overpowering Maharashtra 49-31 in the final. Pankaj Mohite's impactful raids, Ashu Malik's clutch performances, and Shubham Shinde's defensive skills were pivotal in a campaign characterized by depth, discipline, and resilience.
However, this edition of the Senior Nationals was not solely about the trophy; it highlighted the broader kabaddi landscape.
Bhavani Rajput's impressive tally of 58 raid points throughout the tournament exemplified the drive of players from all regions. The leadership of Arjun Deshwal for Uttar Pradesh, Aditya Shinde's contributions for Maharashtra, and Pawan Sehrawat's flair for Chandigarh illustrated the seamless integration of the domestic circuit with the professional league.
Vadodara hosted a vibrant celebration of India's traditional sport, with packed crowds, high energy, and the unmistakable sounds of defenders clashing on the mat. For four days, the Nationals reaffirmed their status as the ultimate test of teamwork and individual resolve.
As teams head back home and preparations begin for future camps in anticipation of the Asian Games in Japan in 2026, it is clear that the 72nd edition has set a new standard—not only in outcomes but also in quality, competitiveness, and confidence.