Senior National Kabaddi: Maharashtra, Haryana, Services Dominate in Style
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Synopsis
The 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championships commenced with <b>Haryana</b>, <b>Maharashtra</b>, <b>Services</b>, and <b>Punjab</b> advancing to the quarterfinals. The matches featured thrilling confrontations, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit among the teams.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana defeated Tamil Nadu in a close match.
- Services showcased dominance over Madhya Pradesh.
- Punjab maintained control against Bihar.
- Maharashtra overcame Odisha despite home support.
- Quarterfinals promise exciting battles ahead.
Cuttack, Feb 22 (NationPress) The reigning champions Haryana have propelled powerful contenders Maharashtra, Services, and Punjab into the quarterfinals as the knockout phase of the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championships commenced with four thrilling Round of 16 matches at Cuttack's Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. This sets the stage for two exciting quarterfinal showdowns.
The Haryana team, led by prominent PKL stars such as defender Yogesh Kathuniya and raider Ashu Malik, faced a tough challenge from Tamil Nadu in what turned out to be the day's most fiercely contested match. In spite of Tamil Nadu's valiant efforts, Haryana's exceptional raiding squad clinched a 48-41 win in a high-scoring battle.
The Services team, under the leadership of Naveen Kumar, showcased their status as favorites by convincingly defeating Madhya Pradesh with a staggering 57-22 score. Their effective blend of solid defense and dynamic raiding overwhelmed Madhya Pradesh.
Punjab, another notable name in kabaddi, had no trouble against Bihar, achieving a 47-18 victory. Their seasoned players maintained control throughout the match, denying Bihar any chance to gather momentum.
In a disappointing turn for the host state, Odisha saw their journey end at the hands of Maharashtra, who triumphed 43-26. Despite the loud support from home fans, Maharashtra relied on the expertise of players like Akash Shinde, Ajit Chouhan, and Pankaj Mohite, steadily increasing their lead for a decisive win.
These results have paved the way for two captivating quarterfinals. Haryana will clash with Services in what is anticipated to be a tactical showdown, while Maharashtra aims to maintain their winning streak against Punjab.
