Ex-India Captain Rishank Lauds Exciting Matches at Kabaddi Senior Nationals
Synopsis
The Senior National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara heats up as former India captain Rishank Devadiga praises the thrilling performances leading to the semifinals. Key upsets and standout players hint at an electrifying conclusion.
Key Takeaways
Thrilling Matches: The championship has showcased intense and unpredictable matches.
Key Upsets: Uttar Pradesh's victory over Services stands out.
Young Talent: Many scouts are observing for promising players.
High Stakes: Semifinals will test both skill and composure.
Record Scores: Matches have seen significant margins of victory.
Vadodara, Feb 26 (NationPress) The atmosphere is electric as the Senior National Kabaddi Championship, hosted by the Gujarat State Kabaddi Association in Vadodara, approaches its thrilling conclusion, with the semifinals now determined and the battle for the coveted title reaching an exhilarating climax.
Former India captain Rishank Devadiga expressed confidence that the final four teams will showcase their prowess demonstrated throughout the tournament. “This year's National Championships have featured numerous outstanding performances. There have been unexpected twists along the journey, and as anticipated, the knockout rounds proved to be quite unpredictable based on previous matchups,” Rishank commented.
His observations are validated by the outcomes, with the pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals delivering remarkable results. Tamil Nadu advanced to the quarterfinals after a nail-biting tie-breaker against the formidable Haryana, with both teams finishing the match at a deadlock of 35–35.
Subsequently, Uttar Pradesh pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the defending champions, Services, with a score of 55–51 to secure a spot in the semifinals. Arjun Deshwal, who also leads the Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League, shone for Uttar Pradesh with an impressive 19-point performance.
Amidst these dominant displays and high-stakes finishes, Rishank emphasized that the semifinals will be a true test of both skill and composure. “The players' performances in the pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal matches provide insight into what they and their teams are capable of. Many coaches and scouts are present to observe the action, identifying players worth keeping an eye on. This is a fantastic opportunity for the young talents,” he noted.
The early stages have already produced margins of victory exceeding 50 points, demolitions by 59 points, thrashings by 37 points, and cliffhanger one-point wins. If this trend persists, the semifinals scheduled for February 27 are set to unveil the most explosive chapter yet in Vadodara.
Point of View
As evidenced by the surprising outcomes in the knockout stages. Former captain Rishank Devadiga's insights emphasize the importance of performance under pressure, making the upcoming semifinals a must-watch event for kabaddi enthusiasts and talent scouts alike.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the semifinals of the Senior National Kabaddi Championship?
The semifinals are scheduled for February 27.
Who is Rishank Devadiga?
Rishank Devadiga is a former captain of the Indian kabaddi team.
Which teams have made it to the semifinals?
The semifinal teams will reflect the dominant performances of the tournament, as noted by Rishank Devadiga.
What notable upsets occurred in the tournament?
Uttar Pradesh defeated the defending champions Services in a significant upset.
How have the matches been characterized?
The matches have featured both unexpected results and impressive individual performances.
