The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara, Gujarat, delivered some of the most surprising results in recent history. While Indian Railways eventually lifted the trophy, the tournament will also be remembered for two stunning knockout upsets that completely changed the title race.
Defending champions Services and strong title contenders Haryana suffered unexpected defeats, creating what many fans are calling the biggest shocks of the competition.
This National Kabaddi Championship upset reshaped the tournament and opened the door for several other teams to dream of glory.
Tamil Nadu Stuns Haryana in Dramatic Finish
One of the biggest upsets in National Kabaddi Championship history came in the pre quarterfinal stage when Tamil Nadu defeated Haryana.
Haryana entered the tournament as one of the strongest teams on paper. With several experienced players and a reputation for producing top quality kabaddi talent, they were widely expected to challenge for the title.
However, Tamil Nadu had different plans.
The contest remained close throughout as neither side managed to create a significant lead. Both teams displayed excellent defense and smart raiding, resulting in a 35-35 scoreline at the end of regular time.
The match then moved into a tie-breaker.
Under pressure, Tamil Nadu held their nerve while Haryana struggled to maintain composure. Tamil Nadu’s raiders delivered crucial points and their defense remained solid, helping them secure a memorable tie-breaker victory.
The result sent shockwaves across the tournament and ended Haryana’s campaign much earlier than expected.
Services Knockout Exit Analysis
If Haryana’s defeat was surprising, the elimination of defending champions Services was equally dramatic.
This Services knockout exit analysis highlights how Uttar Pradesh produced one of the finest performances of the tournament to claim a thrilling 55-51 victory in the quarterfinals.
Services started strongly and looked capable of defending their crown. Star raider Devank Dalal kept the scoreboard moving and helped his side stay competitive.
However, Uttar Pradesh had a match winner in Arjun Deshwal.
The talented raider delivered a sensational performance, scoring 19 raid points and constantly troubling the Services defense. Every time Services looked ready to regain control, Deshwal found a way to score important points.
The defending champions struggled to contain him and paid the price for defensive errors during key moments of the match.
As the pressure increased, Uttar Pradesh maintained their focus and successfully closed out the contest.
How the Tournament Changed
The exits of Services and Haryana completely altered the championship landscape.
Many fans expected one of those teams to reach the final, but their early departures created opportunities for other contenders. Maharashtra benefited from the changing dynamics and reached the final, while Indian Railways continued their impressive run towards the title.
The unexpected results also attracted attention from national selectors, who were closely watching the tournament ahead of future international competitions.
A Championship Full of Surprises
The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship proved that no team can take victory for granted.
These biggest upsets in National Kabaddi Championship history showed the importance of handling pressure during knockout matches. Tamil Nadu’s victory over Haryana and Uttar Pradesh’s success against Services will be remembered as defining moments of the tournament.
Above all, this remarkable National Kabaddi Championship upset story demonstrated why kabaddi remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting sports in India.
