The UP Yoddhas secured their second successive victory in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12, narrowly defeating the Tamil Thalaivas 32-31 in a hard-fought contest at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium. The Yoddhas’ comeback triumph was largely fueled by the exceptional raiding efforts of Guman Singh, who notched eight points, and Gagan Gowda, who contributed six. This win lifts the UP Yoddhas to the 8th spot in the league standings, showcasing their improving form.
Early exchanges were characterized by strong defensive play from both sides. Gagan Gowda initiated the scoring for the Yoddhas with a successful do-or-die raid. The UP defense, featuring Mahender Singh, demonstrated early effectiveness by stopping Moein Shafaghi on two occasions. However, the Tamil Thalaivas, led by the prolific Arjun Deshwal, soon found their attacking rhythm. Deshwal proved to be a constant threat, while Sagar Rathee’s strong defensive tackles were instrumental in the Thalaivas inflicting an All Out on the Yoddhas, establishing a lead.
Despite the deficit, the UP Yoddhas displayed remarkable determination. Gagan Gowda continued to be a vital attacking force, scoring points against key Thalaivas defenders. Bhavani Rajput also played a crucial role with his do-or-die raid successes. The defensive unit, with contributions from Mahender and Hitesh, managed to contain the Thalaivas’ scoring. The first half concluded with the Tamil Thalaivas ahead by three points, 17-14, setting up an intriguing second half.
In the second half, the UP Yoddhas’ defense stepped up significantly. Hitesh was particularly outstanding, executing crucial back-to-back tackles that disrupted the Thalaivas’ momentum. The match evolved into a tactical encounter, but Guman Singh’s offensive prowess came to the fore. His series of successful raids, including a pivotal double-point raid, shifted the balance of the game. While the Thalaivas fought back in the closing moments, the UP Yoddhas held firm, with Guman Singh’s late points sealing a dramatic 32-31 win.