Naveen Kumar-Led Services Triumph in Thrilling Tie-Breaker to Claim 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship Title

In a dramatic conclusion to the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Services emerged victorious in a tense final against Railways on Sunday. The closely contested match ended in a 30-30 deadlock, forcing a tie-breaker where Services held their nerve to secure a 6-4 win.

Led by Pro Kabaddi League sensation Naveen Kumar, Services displayed remarkable composure under pressure to claim the championship title. The final featured some of the biggest names in Indian kabaddi, with Railways boasting an attacking powerhouse in Pankaj Mohite and defensive stalwart Parvesh Bhainswal.

On the other side, Services relied on the rock-solid defensive duo of Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal-both key figures in PKL Season 11-to deliver at crucial junctures.

Services reached the title clash after an impressive 43-35 victory over Punjab in the semifinals, while Railways booked their spot with a commanding 42-34 win against Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in the tournament, Railways had dominated Rajasthan with a resounding 54-31 win in the quarter-finals, while Services overcame a tough challenge from Haryana, winning 43-32.

The final day of the championship also saw standout performances in the quarter-finals, with Uttar Pradesh overpowering Goa 51-26 and Punjab narrowly defeating Maharashtra 35-26.

The electrifying atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium provided the perfect backdrop for an intense display of kabaddi skills. Fans witnessed top-tier performances from some of the country's finest players, making the tournament a grand spectacle of the sport.

With this triumph, Services further cemented their dominance in Indian kabaddi, while Railways, despite falling short, showcased their depth and talent throughout the competition.