India’s domestic kabaddi calendar moves into focus this week as the 72nd Senior Nationals Men’s Kabaddi Championship 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Sama Indoor Complex in Vadodara from February 24 to 27.
Organised under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the four-day tournament will feature 31 teams from across the country, bringing together close to 400 players in one of the most competitive editions of the championship in recent years.
As is traditionally the case with the Senior Nationals, the tournament will provide a blend of experience and emerging talent. Several players who impressed in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 are expected to take part, offering a unique opportunity to assess how professional league performances translate into the national team environment. With the competition often serving as a stepping stone for national selection and professional advancement, performances in Vadodara could hold significance beyond the immediate results.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Among the key raiders expected to headline the championship are Haryana’s Ayan Lohchab, who topped the PKL Season 12 raid charts with 316 points, Devank Dalal, who registered 271 raid points, and Services’ Bharat Hooda, who concluded the season with 230 raid points. Their presence ensures that the attacking contests across the tournament are likely to be intense, particularly given the short duration of the competition format.
Ashu Malik, who played a pivotal role in Dabang Delhi’s title-winning campaign in the most recent PKL season, will represent Railways, while Arjun Deshwal will lead the Uttar Pradesh side. Both players bring leadership experience from the professional circuit, which could prove decisive in high-pressure knockout fixtures where tactical discipline and match awareness often determine outcomes.
In addition to established names, the championship is also expected to showcase several emerging players who have made their mark in recent seasons. Tamil Nadu’s Deepak Sankar, who recorded 64 tackle points for Bengaluru Bulls and was named the New Young Player of the Season in PKL 12, will be among the defensive talents to watch. Maharashtra’s Aditya Shinde, representing Puneri Paltan in the league and accumulating 159 raid points including five super raids will add depth to his state’s raiding unit.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Defensively, Haryana’s Nitesh Kumar enters the tournament after registering 65 tackle points and five High 5s in the PKL season, while players such as Anil from Himachal Pradesh and Uday Parte from Madhya Pradesh are expected to feature prominently as part of their respective squads.
Defending champions Services will arrive in Vadodara aiming to retain their title with a strong lineup that includes Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, Bharat Hooda, Ankit Jaglan and Jaideep Dahiya. Their familiarity with tournament conditions and experience of competing as a cohesive unit could offer them an advantage over rival teams.
However, Railways, Haryana and Maharashtra are also expected to mount serious challenges. Each of these sides brings a balanced combination of raiding strength and defensive solidity, setting the stage for a closely contested championship across both league and knockout phases.
Beyond the immediate competition, the Senior Nationals continues to function as a key platform within India’s kabaddi ecosystem. Consistent performances at this level have historically influenced selections for national camps and the Indian team, while also impacting opportunities within professional leagues. As a result, players across teams will be aware of the broader implications of their performances during the tournament.
The 72nd edition of the championship is being jointly organised by the Gujarat Kabaddi Association and the Vadodara Kabaddi Association in collaboration with AKFI. The organisers have worked to ensure logistical arrangements for teams, officials and support staff, underlining Gujarat’s increasing role as a host for major domestic sporting events.
With leading raiders, defensive specialists and emerging talents set to compete, the championship in Vadodara promises four days of high-intensity kabaddi as teams vie for national honours.
