The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara concluded after a grueling four-day marathon featuring 54 high-stakes matches. With 29 teams vying for the top spot, the event highlighted why this tournament remains the most demanding and authentic stage for the sport in India. State pride took precedence over franchise branding at the Sama Indoor Complex, as seasoned veterans and rising stars fought through a relentless domestic grind that ultimately saw Indian Railways crowned as the victors.
The tournament began with a series of starkly different outcomes, ranging from overwhelming victories to shocking upsets. Tamil Nadu set a high bar early on by defeating Manipur with a massive 59-point lead, while Uttar Pradesh secured a similarly dominant 37-point win over the same opponents. These one-sided results illustrated the gap between established powerhouses and developing regions, yet they also showcased the intense hunger for victory that defines the national level.
Key Moments from the Championship
- The Fall of the Giants: In a stunning turn of events, the defending champions, Services, were eliminated by a tenacious Uttar Pradesh squad in a high-scoring battle.
- The Tie-Breaker Thriller: The clash between Indian Railways and Chandigarh ended in a 38–38 draw at the final whistle, forcing a nerve-wracking tie-breaker. Railways demonstrated superior composure during these critical moments, a trait that would eventually carry them to the title.
- Clinical Finale: The gold medal match saw Railways dismantle Maharashtra with a decisive 49–31 scoreline, leaving no doubt about their domestic supremacy.
Under the leadership of Sunil Kumar, Indian Railways functioned as a perfectly calibrated machine rather than a group of individuals. Their victory was a product of strategic depth, as the raiding department moved with clear intent while the defensive line maintained a cohesive front. Pankaj Mohite’s precision raiding and Ashu Malik’s ability to score under pressure were complemented by Shubham Shinde’s foundational work in the defense. This balanced approach ensured they never relied too heavily on a single star, allowing them to maintain peak intensity throughout the four-day event.
Individual excellence was on full display even for those who did not hoist the trophy. Bhavani Rajput emerged as a statistical marvel, collecting 58 raid points throughout the week to prove the immense depth of India’s attacking talent. Meanwhile, icons like Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, and Aditya Shinde reminded spectators that their skills transcend the professional league. The tournament served as a vital bridge between the Pro Kabaddi League and the grassroots ecosystem, offering selectors a transparent view of the talent pool ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The 72nd edition was a testament to the growing footprint of the sport, characterized by tactical sophistication and physical grit. From the packed stands of the Sama Indoor Complex to the final celebrations, the event reclaimed the raw essence of kabaddi. While Indian Railways took home the gold through discipline and depth, the real winner was the sport itself, which continues to evolve into a faster and more competitive spectacle every year.
