National Men's Kabaddi Championship: Maharashtra, Haryana, Services, 5 other teams advances to quarter-finals

Host state Odisha’s campaign ended in the 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship.

The knockout stages of the 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship kicked off with four compelling Round of 16 clashes at Cuttack’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, setting up two mouth-watering quarter-final encounters.

Defending champions Haryana, who were guided by star PKL players like defender Yogesh Kathuniya and raider Ashu Malik were pushed hard by Tamil Nadu in what proved to be the most competitive fixture of the day. Despite Tamil Nadu’s spirited resistance, Haryana’s superior raiding unit helped them secure a 48-41 victory in a high-scoring encounter.

Also Read: 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship: Schedule, results, squads, teams, live streaming details

The Naveen Kumar-led Services demonstrated why they remain one of the tournament favorites with a clinical dismantling of Madhya Pradesh. The servicemen’s disciplined defense and aggressive raiding combination proved too much for Madhya Pradesh to handle, resulting in a commanding 57-22 scoreline.

Punjab, another kabaddi powerhouse, made light work of Bihar with a dominant 47-18 victory. Their experienced squad controlled the proceedings from start to finish, barely allowing Bihar any momentum throughout the match.

Also Read: Where & how to watch 71st Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship for free?

Host state Odisha’s campaign ended with a 43-26 loss to Maharashtra. Despite vocal home support, Maharashtra had guidance from the likes of Akash Shinde, Ajit Chouhan, and Pankaj Mohite, and showed through as they steadily built their lead to secure a comfortable win.

The results have set up two intriguing quarter-final matchups. Haryana will face Services in what promises to be a tactical battle between two disciplined units, while Maharashtra will look to continue their impressive form against Punjab.

Pre-quarterfinals results:

• Haryana 48-41 Tamil Nadu
• Madhya Pradesh 22-57 Services
• Punjab 47-18 Bihar
• Odisha 26-43 Maharashtra
• Indian Railway 48-27 Karnataka
• Himachal Pradesh 46 (5)-(6) 46 Rajasthan
• Uttar Pradesh 46-23 Telangana
• Goa 45-33 Chandigarh

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