Indian Railways once again proved why they are one of the strongest teams in Indian kabaddi by winning the 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship. In the final at the Sama Indoor Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat, Railways produced a dominant performance to defeat Maharashtra 49-31 and lift the prestigious title.
The victory was built on a brilliant defensive display led by captain Sunil Kumar, whose leadership and tactical awareness helped Railways completely control the National Kabaddi Championship final.
Sunil Kumar Defensive Masterclass Leads the Way
The highlight of the match was the outstanding performance of the Railways defense. Maharashtra entered the final with a dangerous raiding unit featuring talented players like Aslam Inamdar and Shivam Patare.
However, Sunil Kumar and his teammates had a clear plan.
This Sunil Kumar defensive masterclass saw Railways constantly stop Maharashtra’s attacks and deny them any momentum. The team collected 14 tackle points during the final, a remarkable achievement in such an important match.
Sunil played a key role in organizing the defensive unit. His timing, communication, and decision making helped Railways maintain control throughout the contest.
Whenever Maharashtra looked ready to build a comeback, the Railways defenders stepped up with crucial tackles and smart positioning.
Shubham Shinde Provides Excellent Support
While Sunil Kumar led the defense, Shubham Shinde was another major contributor.
The right corner defender enjoyed a fantastic tournament and finished with 27 tackle points, the highest by any defender in the competition.
His consistency and ability to stop opposition raiders gave Railways an extra edge throughout the championship.
Together, Sunil and Shinde formed one of the strongest defensive combinations in the tournament.
Raiders Deliver the Perfect Balance
While the defense did most of the damage, the raiding department also played an important role in the victory.
Pankaj Mohite was the star raider for Railways in the final. He scored 12 raid points and regularly broke through Maharashtra’s defense.
Ashu Malik also made a valuable contribution with eight points. His calm approach helped Railways maintain scoreboard pressure and prevented Maharashtra from finding a way back into the game.
The combination of strong defense and effective raiding made Railways nearly impossible to stop.
The Road to the Championship
The journey to becoming Indian Railways national champions was far from easy.
The tournament featured 29 teams divided into multiple groups. Railways showed consistency from the beginning and successfully handled every challenge that came their way.
They defeated Odisha and Pondicherry in the group stage before overcoming Bihar in the quarterfinals.
Their toughest test arrived in the semifinal against Chandigarh, led by star player Pawan Sehrawat. The match ended in a 38-38 tie before Railways secured victory in a dramatic tie breaker.
That hard fought win gave them confidence heading into the final.
A Statement Victory
The National Kabaddi Championship final showcased why Railways remain one of the most successful teams in domestic kabaddi. Their 49-31 victory over Maharashtra was a complete team effort, led by a brilliant defensive display.
This Sunil Kumar defensive masterclass not only helped Railways secure their 72nd national title but also strengthened his case for future national team selection.
As preparations continue for upcoming international events, Railways can celebrate a memorable championship campaign that combined discipline, teamwork, and outstanding execution on the mat.
