Four days. Fifty-four matches. Twenty-nine teams. One champion. The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara reaffirmed why the Nationals remain the most authentic and demanding arena in Indian kabaddi.
At the Sama Indoor Complex, state pride replaced franchise jerseys, reputations were tested, and a long domestic grind culminated in Indian Railways standing tall with the trophy. From the first raid to the final whistle, the tournament delivered a layered narrative dominant scorelines, tense finishes, individual brilliance, and collective resilience.
A Championship of Contrasts
Day one set the tone for the intensity that would follow. Tamil Nadu dismantled Manipur in a staggering 59-point rout, laying down an early marker of attacking dominance. The following day, Uttar Pradesh inflicted another heavy defeat on Manipur, registering a 37-point victory. These one-sided scorelines underlined the gulf that can still exist between the powerhouses and the developing sides but they also highlighted the competitive hunger that defines the Nationals.
Beyond the big margins, there were seismic moments.
Defending champions Services, traditionally one of the strongest units in the competition, were knocked out by a spirited Uttar Pradesh side in a high-scoring encounter. It was one of the defining upsets of the tournament a reminder that pedigree offers no protection when momentum swings.
Then came one of the most dramatic contests of the championship: Railways versus Chandigarh. Locked at 38–38 at full time, the match went into a nerve-shredding tie-breaker. In those final moments, where margins are microscopic and nerves fray easily, Railways displayed the composure that would later define their title run.
Railways: Built for the Long Haul
Indian Railways did not merely win this championship they constructed it patiently, match by match.
Led by Sunil Kumar, the side embodied structure and clarity. Their raiding unit functioned with purpose, their defence operated with cohesion, and most importantly, their bench strength allowed them to sustain intensity across four relentless days.
In the final, Railways faced Maharashtra a side that had surged into the title clash after an impressive semifinal victory over Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra arrived with momentum and confidence, powered by impactful performances from Aditya Shinde and a disciplined defensive unit.
But the final was one-sided.
Railways overwhelmed Maharashtra 49–31 in a display of clinical kabaddi. Pankaj Mohite’s raids pierced through defensive formations with precision timing. Ashu Malik, as he has done repeatedly on big stages, delivered under pressure with decisive touches. Shubham Shinde anchored the defence, setting the tone early with assured tackles that disrupted Maharashtra’s rhythm.
What separated Railways was balance. There was no over-reliance on a single raider, no defensive vulnerability to exploit. Every department contributed. Their campaign was defined not by flamboyance, but by efficiency.
They peaked at exactly the right time.
Individual Brilliance Across the Mat
While Railways lifted the trophy, the 72nd edition was equally about individual statements. Bhavani Rajput amassed 58 raid points across the tournament, underlining the depth of attacking talent across Indian kabaddi. His consistency, irrespective of opposition, made him one of the standout performers of the championship.
Arjun Deshwal’s leadership for Uttar Pradesh reinforced his stature as a dependable raiding force beyond the Pro Kabaddi League. Pawan Sehrawat brought his trademark explosiveness to Chandigarh’s campaign, while Aditya Shinde’s all-round contributions helped power Maharashtra’s deep run.
The seamless interplay between the professional league and the domestic circuit was evident. Established PKL stars returned to state colours not as celebrities, but as competitors. Emerging players measured themselves against national-level opposition. The Nationals once again proved to be the most honest selection ground in Indian kabaddi.
The Senior Nationals have always been about more than medals.
They are the foundation of India’s kabaddi ecosystem the platform where selectors evaluate depth, where coaches identify combinations, and where players fight not just for state pride, but for future national call-ups. With the Asian Games in Japan later in 2026 on the horizon, this championship carries added significance. Performances in Vadodara will inevitably influence training camps and selection conversations. Consistency here matters.
The atmosphere at the Sama Indoor Complex reflected that importance. Packed stands, vocal supporters, and the unmistakable thud of defenders launching into ankle holds created a setting that felt both intimate and intense. For four days, kabaddi reclaimed its raw essence unfiltered, physical, and fiercely competitive.
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By the time Railways hoisted the trophy, the narrative was clear.
This was not merely another edition of the Nationals. The scale 29 teams and 54 matches showcased the expanding footprint of kabaddi across the country. The competitiveness, marked by both heavy victories and razor-thin finishes, demonstrated the rising standard. Indian Railways’ triumph was built on discipline, depth, and composure in decisive moments. But the broader takeaway is about the ecosystem itself stronger, faster, more tactically aware than ever before.
As teams disperse and attention shifts toward international preparation, Vadodara will be remembered as a benchmark.
From 29 hopeful teams to one champion, the 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship reaffirmed a simple truth: the Nationals remain the ultimate proving ground of Indian kabaddi.
