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Top PKL Stars Clash at 72nd Senior Nationals Kabaddi in Vadodara

The 72nd Senior Nationals Men's Kabaddi Championship begins in Vadodara on February 24, featuring 31 teams and around 400 players. The tournament will showcase top talent from Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, including star raiders and defenders. Defending champions Services return with a strong squad to face challengers like Railways, Haryana, and Maharashtra. The event serves as a crucial selection platform for the national team and professional leagues.

Key Points: 72nd Senior Nationals Kabaddi 2026: Teams, Stars, Schedule

  • 31 teams & 400 players competing
  • Top PKL Season 12 raiders participating
  • Defending champions Services aim to retain title
  • Platform for national team selection
2 min read

72nd Sr. Nationals Men's Kabaddi C'ships to be held in Vadodara from Feb 24

400 players from 31 teams compete in Vadodara from Feb 24-27. Watch PKL stars like Ayan Lohchab, Ashu Malik, and defending champs Services.

"consistent performance can lead to selection for national camps, the Indian team, and professional leagues"

New Delhi, Feb 23

The 72nd Senior Nationals Men's Kabaddi Championship 2026 is scheduled to be held at the Sama Indoor Complex in Vadodara, from February 24 to 27. It will feature 31 teams from across India, with approximately 400 players competing fiercely for the championship title.

The tournament, organized by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), will showcase a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Participants who excelled in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 will also be competing.

Key players to watch include the top three raiders from PKL Season 12: Ayan Lohchab (Haryana), with 316 raid points; Devank Dalal, with 271; and Bharat Hooda (Services), who scored 230. Ashu Malik, who guided Dabang Delhi to victory last season, will now represent Railways. Meanwhile, Arjun Deshwal will continue to lead Uttar Pradesh.

The tournament will highlight emerging talents like Deepak Sankar from Tamil Nadu, who scored 64 tackle points for the Bengaluru Bulls and was named the New Young Player of the Season in PKL 12. Maharashtra's representation includes Puneri Paltan raider Aditya Shinde, who achieved 159 raid points, featuring five super raids. Haryana's defender Nitesh Kumar, a rising star with 65 tackle points and five High 5s, will also compete, along with promising players Anil from Himachal Pradesh and Uday Parte from Madhya Pradesh.

Defending champions Services, with a star-studded team including Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, Bharat Hooda, Ankit Jaglan, and Jaideep Dahiya, aim to defend their title in the upcoming tournament. Railways, Haryana, and Maharashtra, each supported by strong squads, are expected to provide significant competition, promising a highly competitive event. This tournament will also act as an important platform for both top and emerging players, where consistent performance can lead to selection for national camps, the Indian team, and professional leagues.

The Senior Nationals is jointly organised by the Gujarat Kabaddi Association and the Vadodara Kabaddi Association. Collaborating closely with AKFI, these associations have made thorough arrangements for athletes, officials, and teams, further strengthening Gujarat's reputation as a prominent host for major sporting events.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
So excited to see the PKL stars in action at the Nationals! Ayan Lohchab was unstoppable last season. This is where the real battle for the India team spots happens. Hope the streaming quality is good this time.
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Rahul R
While it's great to see the tournament happening, I wish the AKFI would do more to promote it in the local Vadodara schools and colleges. These events are perfect to inspire the next generation, but the buzz often stays within the stadium. Just a thought.
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Sarah B
Watching the rise of players like Deepak Sankar from the grassroots to PKL star and now the Nationals is what makes sports so special. Rooting for the underdog teams like Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh! Let's go!
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Aman W
Haryana, Railways, Services, Maharashtra... what a line-up! This is going to be tougher than the PKL playoffs. My money is on Haryana this time, they have a point to prove. Jai Haryana! 💪
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Nidhi U
It's heartening to see players from Services (armed forces) dominating kabaddi. They bring such discipline and grit to the game. Bharat Hooda and team, all the best for defending the title! 🇮🇳

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