Noida, Jan 1 (NationPress) The New Year commenced just like the last one concluded for the Lucknow Lions, as they showcased an impressive display to triumph over the Awadh Ramdoots with a score of 48–33 during the opening match on the eighth day of Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Thursday.

The Lucknow Lions once again affirmed their status as the most formidable team in the league, seamlessly integrating aggressive raiding with a staunch defense to dominate from the very beginning. The first half was decisively controlled by Lucknow, spearheaded by the talented young raider Shivam Chaudhary, who consistently challenged the Awadh defense with his impeccable timing and execution. Shivam was in phenomenal form, amassing 10 points from just eight raids, preventing the Awadh Ramdoots from establishing any defensive rhythm.

The Lions' supremacy was further highlighted by their defensive squad, which remained well-organized and vigilant, capitalizing on mistakes to achieve two all-outs against Awadh Ramdoots. This relentless pressure allowed the Lucknow Lions to head into halftime with a commanding 13-point advantage, firmly in charge of the match.

After the break, Awadh Ramdoots tried to stage a comeback, displaying increased urgency and searching for vulnerabilities in the Lucknow defense. Nevertheless, Shivam Chaudhary maintained control, adding another vital raid that secured three points, effectively stalling Awadh’s momentum just when they appeared poised to recover.

A defining moment of the match occurred when the Lucknow Lions found themselves temporarily down to three players on the mat. Despite this numerical disadvantage, they exhibited exceptional composure and defensive structure, avoiding an all-out and successfully countering Awadh’s raids. This segment proved crucial, sapping Awadh’s confidence and reinforcing Lucknow's dominance.

As the match progressed into its final stages, the Lucknow Lions managed the game astutely, ensuring no last-minute surprises. Ultimately, they secured a decisive 48–33 victory, continuing their remarkable run and setting a strong tone for Day 8 of UPKL Season 2.

Later that day, the Yamuna Yoddhas faced off against the Kashi Kings, Gazab Ghaziabad went up against the Purvanchal Panthers, and the Kanpur Warriors took on the Brij Stars.

In the earlier matches of Day 7 of UPKL Season 2, three thrilling contests unfolded. Gazab Ghaziabad triumphed over the Sangam Challengers with a score of 38–33, driven by captain Uday Dabas’s impressive 23-point performance, maintaining their lead despite a late surge from the challengers.

The Yamuna Yoddhas delivered the most resounding victory of the day, overpowering the Kanpur Warriors 51–32 with relentless attacks, multiple all-outs, and a notable 16-point effort from Ritik Sharma. The day concluded with a nail-biting match where the JD Noida Ninjas narrowly defeated the Aligarh Tigers 38–36, demonstrating poise in the final moments to secure the win.