As the 72nd Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship 2026 reaches its climax in Vadodara, legendary former captain Ajay Thakur has reaffirmed the tournament’s status as the most critical stage for any aspiring Indian player. Thakur, now the head coach of Puneri Paltan, emphasized that the Senior Nationals remains the primary gateway to the national team.+1
“Participating and performing at the Senior Nationals is essential if you want to play for the country,” Thakur stated, highlighting the immense pride associated with becoming a national champion.
Tournament Breakdown: The Final Four
The championship, held at the Sama Indoor Complex, has been defined by massive upsets that have cleared the path for a potentially new champion.
The Semi-Final Lineup
Following a dramatic day of knockout action on February 26, the final four teams have been confirmed. Both semi-finals and the grand final are scheduled for today, Friday, February 27.
- Semi-Final 1: Uttar Pradesh vs. Maharashtra (3:00 PM)
- The Story: Uttar Pradesh pulled off the shock of the tournament by eliminating the defending champions, Services, with a 55–51 victory. Arjun Deshwal was the hero with 19 points. They face a powerhouse Maharashtra side led by the dynamic raiding duo of Ajit Chouhan and Aditya Shinde.+1
- Semi-Final 2: Indian Railways vs. Chandigarh (3:00 PM)
- The Story: Perennial contenders Indian Railways, featuring stars like Ashu Malik, will take on a clinical Chandigarh side led by Indian icon Pawan Sehrawat, who guided his team to a dominant win over Madhya Pradesh in the quarters.
The Grand Final
- Time: 6:00 PM local time.
- Venue: Sama Indoor Complex, Vadodara.
Impact and National Selection
Ajay Thakur noted that for the 400+ players competing, this is more than just a trophy hunt. With national selectors and PKL scouts in attendance, the tournament serves as a bridge between domestic excellence and international glory.
For young players, the exposure of competing alongside veterans like Sunil Kumar and Naveen Kumar provides the “motivation and confidence” needed to bridge the gap to the professional level.
