The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara, Gujarat, witnessed several outstanding performances, but one player stood above the rest in defense. Indian Railways star Shubham Shinde completed a remarkable tournament by finishing as the Best Defender National Championship winner and the top defender of the competition.
His consistency, discipline, and ability to stop some of the country’s best raiders played a major role in helping Indian Railways secure the national title.
Shubham Shinde Top Defender of the Tournament
The biggest talking point from the championship was the rise of Shubham Shinde top defender status. Throughout the tournament, he delivered match-winning defensive performances and became the backbone of the Railways team.
Shinde finished the competition with an impressive 27 tackle points, the highest by any defender in the tournament. His ability to read the movement of raiders and execute crucial tackles helped Railways maintain control in important matches.
Whether the team was under pressure or holding a lead, Shinde consistently stepped up and delivered.
His performances showed why he is considered one of the finest defenders in Indian kabaddi today.
A Key Figure in Railways’ Title Winning Campaign
Indian Railways enjoyed a memorable run to the championship, and Shinde’s contributions were vital from start to finish.
The team faced several difficult opponents during the tournament, including a dramatic semifinal clash against Chandigarh. That match ended in a 38-38 tie before Railways secured victory in a tense tie-breaker.
During these high-pressure moments, Shinde remained calm and reliable. His strong defensive presence allowed the raiders to play with greater freedom, knowing the defense could support them whenever required.
His partnership with captain Sunil Kumar became one of the strongest defensive combinations in the competition.
Dominance in the Final
The National Men’s Kabaddi Championship final against Maharashtra was another example of Shinde’s quality.
Maharashtra entered the match with talented raiders such as Aslam Inamdar and Shivam Patare. However, Railways’ defense completely controlled the contest.
Shinde played a crucial role as Railways collected 14 tackle points and restricted Maharashtra’s attacking options. His positioning and decision making helped prevent Maharashtra from building any momentum.
The result was a convincing 49-31 victory and another national title for Indian Railways.
Senior Nationals Kabaddi Awards Highlight Elite Performers
The Senior Nationals Kabaddi Awards recognized the best performers of the championship.
Shubham Shinde earned the Best Defender award with 27 tackle points. Goa’s Bhavani Rajput finished as the top raider after collecting 58 raid points, while Railways star Pankaj Mohite was named the championship’s Most Valuable Player.
Among all the award winners, Shinde’s achievement stood out because of the consistency he displayed across the entire tournament.
A Bright Future Ahead
Shinde’s performances have come at an important time. National selectors closely monitored the championship as part of preparations for future international events, including the 2026 Asian Games.
His success as the Best Defender National Championship winner has strengthened his chances of earning a major role in the Indian national team setup.
The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship will be remembered for Indian Railways’ title triumph, but it will also be remembered as the tournament where Shubham Shinde top defender credentials were firmly established. His outstanding campaign proved that great defense remains one of the most important factors in winning championships.
