Did Rohtak Royals Make History as the First Kabaddi Champions League Winners?
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Sonipat, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Kabaddi Champions League concluded with an exhilarating finale at the bustling Sports University of Haryana in Rai, where the Rohtak Royals triumphed over the Bhiwani Bulls with a score of 32–30, marking their historic victory as the first-ever champions of the KCL.
The final match delivered on its promise of high-stakes action. Devank Dalal set the pace for Bhiwani Bulls by scoring a bonus point, but Vijay Malik and Rakesh Singh answered back for Rohtak Royals with aggressive raids and strategic gameplay.
The Royals quickly took control, achieving the first all-out and building a lead of 9–3. Bhiwani, however, fought back valiantly thanks to Devank’s bold raids and a crucial revival by Sourav. The battle was intense, with both teams showcasing commendable defensive skills, leading to a halftime score of Rohtak 20, Bhiwani 16.
The second half unfolded like a tactical game of chess. Although Bhiwani Bulls briefly took the lead with Parvesh Malik achieving a High-5, the Royals displayed resilience, maintaining their composure under pressure. Despite Devank facing injuries and being targeted in crucial moments, the Bulls remained competitive until the final seconds.
Ultimately, Rakesh Singh’s composed raids and Sandeep Narwal’s crucial tackles, particularly in the dying moments of the match, sealed the victory for Rohtak Royals with a final score of 32–30, earning them the coveted title.
The finale was graced by notable attendees including Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishna Lal Panwar, Kuldeep Dalal Ji (Chairman, AKAH), Chetan Joshi (General Secretary, Uttarakhand), and Kumar Vijay Ji (Chairman, Bihar Kabaddi Association), who collectively praised the KCL for its significant impact on both grassroots and professional kabaddi.
“Kabaddi is a source of pride for Haryana, and KCL has fortified that legacy by providing a world-class platform,” remarked Krishna Lal Panwar. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Dalal Ji noted, “This league is shaping the future of Indian kabaddi by giving young athletes valuable exposure under pressure.”
Chetan Joshi described the final as a pivotal moment, stating, “KCL has established a new standard for domestic kabaddi competitions in India,” while Kumar Vijay Ji echoed this sentiment by asserting, “The enthusiasm, quality, and organization of KCL demonstrate the strength of Indian kabaddi.”
Following their victory, Vijay Malik expressed, “This was the final we hoped for. It could have gone either way, but we kept our composure. We will celebrate tonight because we put in a lot of hard work. KCL has showcased Haryana’s passion for kabaddi, and I am confident this league will only expand.”
Royals head coach Surender Nada reflected on their strategy, stating, “Our goal was to adhere to the plan and maintain our defense regardless of the score. The longer you stay on the mat, the more pressure builds on the raider. We specifically aimed to contain Devank, and executing that strategy was key to our success.”
Raider of the Match: Devank Dalal (Bhiwani Bulls)
Defender of the Match: Parvesh Malik (Bhiwani Bulls)