Indian Railways were crowned champions of the 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship after producing a commanding 49–31 victory over Maharashtra in the final at the Sama Indoor Stadium in Vadodara on Friday.
The 18-point margin reflected Railways’ control across both raiding and defensive departments, capping off an unbeaten run through a four-day tournament featuring 29 teams across eight pools.
Led by Sunil Kumar widely regarded as the most successful captain in Pro Kabaddi League history Railways navigated a demanding field that played out across 54 matches before arriving at the summit clash. Their path to the title included key wins over Chandigarh and Karnataka in the knockout rounds before overcoming a formidable Maharashtra side in the final.
A Final Defined by Balance and Authority
The championship match showcased Railways at their most efficient. From the outset, they imposed tempo through structured raids and coordinated defensive holds. Pankaj Mohite spearheaded the raiding unit with 12 raid points, combining agility with sharp footwork to repeatedly breach Maharashtra’s defensive chain.
Ashu Malik, who recently captained Dabang Delhi K.C. to a PKL title, added eight crucial points and provided composure during high-pressure phases. His experience proved invaluable in maintaining rhythm during momentum swings. Railways’ defensive unit was equally decisive. They amassed 14 tackle points, applying sustained pressure that restricted Maharashtra’s scoring avenues. Timely ankle holds and coordinated chain tackles disrupted Maharashtra’s raiders, preventing extended revival sequences.
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Despite spirited efforts from Shivam Patare and Aslam Inamdar both prominent Pro Kabaddi League performers Maharashtra struggled to contain Railways’ multidimensional attack. As the match progressed, Railways widened the margin methodically, sealing the title with authority.
The concluding day began with two high-intensity semifinals. Maharashtra secured their place in the final with a 49–36 victory over Uttar Pradesh. Aditya Shinde led the charge with 12 raid points, supported effectively by Aslam Inamdar (11 points) and Shivam Patare (8 points).
Maharashtra’s defence complemented the raiders, finishing with 14 tackle points compared to Uttar Pradesh’s eight. The structural discipline and coordinated pressure allowed Maharashtra to control the match through both halves.
The second semifinal between Indian Railways and Chandigarh delivered the tournament’s most dramatic contest. The teams were locked at 38–38 at full time, forcing a tie-breaker. Railways prevailed 7–4 in the decider, showcasing composure under pressure.
Ashu Malik delivered 10 points in that semifinal, while Narender Kandola matched the tally with another 10-point contribution. Chandigarh remained competitive through the raiding prowess of Pawan Sehrawat, who scored 12 points, and Rakesh Singroha, who added seven. However, Railways’ clinical execution in the tie-breaker ensured their progression.
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Railways’ campaign was defined by depth and adaptability. Across pool stages and knockouts, they demonstrated the ability to shift between aggressive raiding sequences and containment-focused defensive play. Their consistency across departments allowed them to withstand varied tactical setups from opponents.
Sunil Kumar’s leadership proved central to maintaining composure across tight encounters. The team’s collective understanding shaped by multiple players with Pro Kabaddi League exposure translated into effective communication and situational awareness. In the final, this cohesion was evident. Railways maintained defensive spacing, minimized empty raids, and capitalized on do-or-die situations. Maharashtra, despite entering with momentum, were unable to match that structural clarity.
While Railways lifted the trophy, several individual performances across teams defined the championship.
Bhavani Rajput of Goa emerged as the leading raider of the tournament, amassing 58 raid points across 81 raids. His consistency and scoring frequency placed him at the top of the raiding charts. On the defensive front, Shubham Shinde part of the champion Railways squad secured the highest tackle tally with 27 tackle points. His timing and anticipation were crucial in multiple knockout fixtures, particularly during high-pressure defensive stands.
The 49–31 scoreline in the final was not merely a product of superior raiding. Railways maintained control over revival cycles, preventing Maharashtra from stringing together sustained scoring runs. Their 14 tackle points significantly limited Maharashtra’s raid success rate.
Maharashtra attempted to accelerate in the second half but were repeatedly halted by structured defensive holds. As the margin widened, Railways displayed game management maturity slowing tempo, avoiding unnecessary risks, and closing the contest methodically.
Outlasting 29 teams over four days requires squad depth, physical conditioning, and tactical clarity. Railways demonstrated all three elements consistently. Their ability to handle both high-scoring contests and tight tactical battles underscores why they emerged as champions.
For Maharashtra, the campaign still reflects significant promise, particularly in their semifinal display. However, in the final, Railways operated at a higher level of execution. With a dominant 18-point victory, Indian Railways have etched their name on the 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship trophy reaffirming their stature as one of the premier institutional forces in Indian kabaddi.
