Kabaddi – Railways Clinch 72nd Senior Men’s National Title
Kabaddi – Indian Railways emerged victorious at the 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship 2026, defeating Maharashtra 49-31 in a commanding final at the Sama Indoor Stadium in Vadodara.
Railways Dominate National Stage
Led by seasoned captain Sunil Kumar, Indian Railways capped off an impressive campaign by overcoming 29 competing teams in a tournament that featured 54 matches spread across four days. The competition, structured into eight pools, saw intense contests from the opening whistle, but Railways maintained consistency throughout the event.
Their journey to the summit included key victories over Chandigarh and Karnataka in the knockout rounds. Facing a formidable Maharashtra side in the final, Railways delivered a composed and disciplined performance to secure the championship trophy.
Final Showdown Marked by All-Round Performance
The championship clash highlighted Railways’ balance in both attack and defence. Pankaj Mohite spearheaded the raiding department with 12 raid points, while Ashu Malik added eight crucial points to strengthen the team’s lead. The raiders set the tone early, applying pressure that Maharashtra struggled to contain.
Railways’ defensive unit played an equally decisive role, registering 14 tackle points. Their structured formations and timely tackles disrupted Maharashtra’s rhythm and prevented any sustained comeback. Although Maharashtra’s Shivam Patare and captain Aslam Inamdar attempted to rally their side, the gap widened steadily as Railways maintained control. The final whistle confirmed an 18-point victory, sealing a comprehensive triumph.
Semifinals Set the Stage for Decider
Earlier on the concluding day, four teams battled in the semifinals. Maharashtra booked their place in the final with a 49-36 win over Uttar Pradesh. Aditya Shinde led the charge with 12 raid points, while Aslam Inamdar and Shivam Patare supported with 11 and eight points respectively. Maharashtra’s defence also proved effective, earning 14 tackle points compared to Uttar Pradesh’s eight.
The second semifinal produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic moments. Indian Railways and Chandigarh ended regulation time locked at 38-38. The tie-breaker saw Railways edge ahead 7-4 to confirm their spot in the final. Ashu Malik delivered a standout display with 10 points, matched by Narender Kandola’s contribution of 10 points. For Chandigarh, Pawan Sehrawat kept the contest alive with a 12-point effort, supported by Rakesh Singroha’s seven points.
Individual Standouts Across the Tournament
While Railways celebrated the team title, several players left their mark on the competition. Bhavani Rajput of Goa topped the raiding charts, amassing 58 raid points from 81 attempts across the tournament. His consistency ensured he finished as the leading raider.
On the defensive front, Shubham Shinde of Indian Railways emerged as the most effective tackler, collecting 27 tackle points. His contribution throughout the championship underlined the strength of Railways’ defensive structure.
A Tournament of High Competition
The 72nd edition of the Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship showcased the growing depth of talent in Indian kabaddi. With teams representing various states and institutions, the event reflected a competitive balance and rising standards in both raiding and defensive strategies.
Indian Railways’ triumph adds another significant achievement to their record in national competitions. Their ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the semifinal tie-breaker and the high-stakes final, highlighted their experience and preparation.
As the curtain falls on the 2026 edition in Vadodara, the championship once again demonstrated kabaddi’s enduring appeal and the continued emergence of players capable of shaping the sport’s future.