PKL Season 8 enters the final stage – Top six sides ready to battle it out in the playoffs

Bengaluru, Feb. 20: Following 132 matches in 60 consecutive match-days, the league stage of VIVO Pro Kabaddi (PKL) Season 8 has drawn to a close.

The league now enters the playoffs stage of the tournament with top six teams - Patna Pirates, Dabang Delhi K.C, U.P Yoddha, Gujarat Giants, Bengaluru Bulls and Puneri Paltan - battling it out to lift the coveted PKL trophy.

With plenty of twists and turns, PKL Season 8 witnessed one of the most competitive seasons ever to the extent that it took till the last matchday of the League stages to determine the Top 6 teams that qualified for the Playoffs.

The thrilling competition is certain to continue with all remaining matches being knockout fixtures. The Playoffs are set to take stage on February 21st & February 23rd, and the grand finale will take centre stage on February 25th.

Speaking about the Season 8 Playoffs, Anupam Goswami, CEO, Mashal Sports & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League said, "This has truly been an exceptional season of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League. We were on a mission to ensure the completion of the tournament. We were not only successful in achieving that but have also achieved new levels of engagements with the fans.

"We have had quite a few challenges inside the stringent bio-bubble but overcame them along with the support of the 12 franchises. Safety and health of every individual inside the bubble was our top-most priority. I have no doubt that the upcoming Playoffs week and the finals will witness even more thrilling and exciting action as we aim to conclude a memorable Season 8, providing millions of fans across the country and around the globe with the best of kabaddi action they can ask for."

Here's what the six captains said ahead of the playoffs:

Prashant Kumar Rai, Captain, Patna Pirates said, "It gives us a lot of joy that we have finished on top of the league table going into the final week of the season. It shows the amount of effort the team has made to make it this far in the competition. We are excited to be part of the Playoffs and guarantee to our fans that are making the necessary preparations to give our best on the mat."

Joginder Narwal, Captain, Dabang Delhi K.C. said, "It feels amazing to be part of the top 6, all the strategies and planning that we made daily throughout the season has really paid off. Every player in the squad has contributed to our success in this competition so far with young and experienced players turning up many times in key moments. We are aiming to carry this momentum and be on top form for the playoffs and the finals."

Nitesh Kumar, Captain, U.P. Yoddha said, "Our road to the Playoffs has been full of ups and downs. We didn't have the best start to the season but together as a team, we were able to manage our problems and we came back strong in the second half. The team and coaching staff have worked really hard, and we will continue to do so going into the Playoffs week and the finals."

Sunil Kumar, Gujarat Giants said, "This has been a memorable season for us so far and we are determined to give our best on the mat in the upcoming matches. We will continue to play as a team and focus on our strengths and work on our weaknesses. We have received immense support from the coaches and the staff who have helped us reach the Playoffs."

Pawan Sehrawat, Bengaluru Bulls said, "It has been a tough season, all teams have played their best and we gave our 100% on the mat. We are excited to be a part of the Playoffs and aim to win that trophy for our fans, coaches, and the support staff who have supported with us throughout seasons."

Nitin Tomar, Puneri Paltan said, "We have had an excellent season and are very satisfied with how the team has performed throughout. We are highly motivated to play against the best teams in the league and we are confident enough to bring the trophy home."

Source: PKL Media