PKL Season 11: UP Yodhas' Sumit Sangwan Emphasizes the Need to Enhance Defensive Skills

Pune, Dec 6 (NationPress) In a thrilling match at the Badminton Hall of Balewadi Sports Complex, UP Yoddhas and Dabang Delhi K.C. ended in a dramatic 32-32 draw during the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 on Thursday evening.
The fiercely contested duel saw both teams exchanging points throughout the game, with neither squad able to gain a significant edge. The dynamic partnership of Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput became the backbone of UP Yoddhas' offensive efforts. Gowda's remarkable achievement of 13 points underscored his rising significance to the squad, while Rajput's vital contribution of 10 points showcased his dependability in high-pressure scenarios.
Nevertheless, despite the encouraging offensive performance by the UP Yoddhas, the team's defense was inconsistent, which hindered their chance of clinching a victory in this closely fought battle.
Sumit Sangwan, a key defender for the UP Yoddhas, acknowledged the need for improvements while stressing the team's tactical approach, "While our raiders showcased exceptional performance today, we must enhance our defense in future matches. We will review video footage and strategize accordingly, and we will continue to concentrate on fortifying our defensive capabilities to achieve better outcomes."
Reflecting on the match, Upendra Malik, the assistant coach for UP Yoddhas, highlighted the strategic significance of the result: "With six matches remaining, no team can afford to take unwarranted risks. The points table is extremely tight, with minimal distinctions among teams. Today's performance, especially from Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput, reveals our team's potential. Gowda's reliability and Bhavani's essential points in critical moments were especially commendable."
Looking ahead, UP Yoddhas will take on Puneri Paltan in their next match on Saturday at the Balewadi Sports Complex, as they continue their journey in PKL Season 11. The team aims to build on this performance to secure crucial points in their upcoming matches as the race for the playoffs intensifies.