It was an unbelievable raiding efficiency from UP Yoddhas that helped the facet to a powerful comeback win as they beat Tamil Thalaivas 32-21 in a Professional Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 match on the Thyagaraj Indoor. Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.
The match might have gone both means, however Guman Singh scored eight factors, and Gagan scored six, because the Yoddhas secured their second consecutive win. Within the defence, Hitesh’s Excessive 5 ensured Sagar Rathee’s Excessive 5 went in useless because the Yoddhas moved to eighth on the factors desk.
The opening minutes have been marked by a collection of empty raids from Guman Singh and Moein Shafaghi, as each defensive items held their floor with self-discipline and composure. The primary breakthrough got here from the Yoddhas’ Gagan Gowda, who produced a profitable Do-Or-die Raid, sending Nitesh Kumar off the mat and giving his facet early momentum.
The Yoddhas’ defence, marshalled by Mahender Singh, seemed alert, with well timed tackles stopping Moein Shafaghi twice in fast succession. Nonetheless, Tamil Thalaivas progressively discovered rhythm by means of their star raider Arjun Deswal. His precision persistently picked up factors off the Yoddhas’ corners. Sagar Rathee’s rock-solid defending additionally proved essential, incomes a number of sort out factors and serving to the Thalaivas inflict an ALL OUT.
The Yoddhas, although, refused to again down. Gagan Gowda stored them alive with sharp raids, choosing factors off Thalaivas’ key defenders like Nitesh Kumar, whereas Bhavani Rajput added beneficial do-or-die touches. The defensive mixture of Mahender and Hitesh managed a number of crucial tackles, stopping the Thalaivas from working away with the lead.
Because the half progressed, the exchanges grew tighter, with either side alternating between empty raids and fast single-point returns. Nevertheless it was Deshwal’s consistency that ensured the Thalaivas entered the break 17-14 forward – establishing an evenly poised contest for the second half.
The second half started cautiously, as Bhavani Rajput struggled to interrupt by means of initially, whereas Tami Thalavas’ Ronak opened the scoring after sending Ashu Singh off the mat. Nonetheless, the Yoddhas’ protection quickly took cost – Hitesh, particularly, was distinctive, executing back-to-back tackles on Aashish and Moein Shafaghi to halt Tamil’s momentum.
Halfway by means of the half, the match become a tactical chess recreation. Guman Singh discovered his rhythm, producing a number of profitable raids, together with a vital double-point effort that took out Ronak and Narender Kandola. The Thalaivas, nonetheless, refused to present in – Narender hit again with two sharp Do-Or-Die raids, whereas Deswal tried to reclaim management.
The closing levels have been a take a look at of nerve. The Thalaivas tried to rally by means of Moein Shafaghi’s late raid, however the Yoddhas held their composure. Guman Singh capped off an excellent present. Ultimately, the Yoddhas, who trailed at halftime, scripted an unbelievable turnaround to seal a 32-31 win.