UPKL Season 2 Playoffs: Qualification scenarios of all teams explained

The top 2 teams in the table will qualify for the UPKL Season 2 semi-finals.

The league stage of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 has officially concluded, bringing an end to a competitive and closely fought qualification phase. After 11 matches per team, the final points table has confirmed the four semi-finalists, while the remaining teams bowed out at the league stage.

As per the tournament format, the top four teams at the end of the league stage qualified for the semi-finals, with the first-placed team set to face the fourth-placed side, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other semi-final. Several teams finished level on points, making the score difference a decisive factor in determining final positions.

Lucknow Lions topped the standings, followed by Sangam Challengers, Kashi Kings and Brij Stars, who completed the semi-final lineup. Here is a team-wise breakdown of how each side finished its UPKL Season 2 campaign.

Lucknow Lions – Need 1 win to qualify for the final

Lucknow Lions finished the league stage at the top with 18 points from 11 matches, winning nine games and registering the best score difference in the competition. Their consistency across the season ensured early qualification, allowing them to dominate the standings without facing pressure in the closing stages.

Strong raiding depth and a disciplined defensive unit played a major role in their success. As table-toppers, the Lions enter the semi-finals as favorites and will look to convert their league dominance into a title-winning run.

The Lucknow-based franchise are also the defending champions, having won the inaugural edition of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), defeating Sangam Challengers in the summit clash last year.

Sangam Challengers – Need 1 or 2 wins to qualify for the final

Sangam Challengers secured second place with 16 points from 11 matches, finishing just behind the leaders. With eight wins and a healthy score difference, they maintained their position despite stiff competition from teams below.

The Challengers delivered consistently in high-pressure matches, particularly during the latter half of the league stage. Their balanced squad and ability to control key moments helped them finish comfortably inside the top four. They head into the semi-finals with confidence and strong momentum.

Their positive score difference helped them avoid facing the mighty Lucknow Lions in the semi-finals. They will face the Kashi Kings in the second semi-final and will look to lift the trophy after falling short last season.

Kashi Kings – (Need 1 win and Sangam Challengers to lose)

Kashi Kings ended the league phase in third place with 16 points, narrowly missing out on a higher finish due to score difference. With eight victories from 11 matches, they remained one of the most competitive sides throughout the season. While qualification was secured, a few close losses proved costly in the race for a second-place finish. The Kings will now focus on peaking at the right time as they prepare for a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

Gazab Ghaziabad – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Gazab Ghaziabad finished fifth with 12 points and missed out on a semi-final qualification. They won six matches and lost five, thus crashing out of the competition.

Gazab remained in contention until the later rounds but failed to produce the big-margin wins required to break into the top four. While the season ended at the league stage, their performances indicated potential that could be built upon in future editions.

Brij Stars – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Brij Stars claimed the final semi-final spot by finishing fourth with 16 points from 11 matches. Level on points with Sangam Challengers and Kashi Kings, their ranking was decided by score difference.

The Stars showed resilience throughout the league stage, picking up crucial wins when required. Although they fell short of a top-three finish, qualifying for the semi-finals marks a successful campaign. They will aim to carry their fighting spirit into the knockout stage.

Yamuna Yodhas – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Yamuna Yodhas concluded their campaign in sixth place with 12 points from 11 matches. Like Gazab Ghaziabad, they recorded six wins but were undone by a significantly negative score difference.

The Yodhas struggled to maintain consistency, particularly against top-ranked teams. Although they remained mathematically alive until late in the season, missed opportunities and narrow defeats ultimately cost them a semi-final berth.

Awadh Ramdoots – (Eliminated)

Awadh Ramdoots finished seventh with 12 points, reflecting a season of mixed results. Despite matching the win tally of teams above them, they were ruled out of semi-final contention with several losses. Heavy losses in a few matches had a lasting impact on their standings. The Ramdoots showed flashes of strong kabaddi but lacked the consistency needed to challenge for a top-four finish.

Purvanchal Panthers – (Eliminated)

Purvanchal Panthers finished ninth with eight points, narrowly behind Ganga Kings of Mirzapur. The Panthers faced a challenging campaign, marked by inconsistency and a heavy negative score difference. While they competed well in patches, the inability to string together victories prevented them from mounting a serious qualification push. Their season ended without a semi-final appearance.

Ganga Kings of Mirzapur – (Eliminated)

Ganga Kings of Mirzapur ended the league stage in eighth place with eight points from 11 matches. With four wins, they were unable to sustain momentum across the season. Defensive lapses and struggles in closing out tight contests hurt their qualification chances early on. While they were out of the semi-final race before the final rounds, the Kings will take positives from individual performances.

Aligarh Tigers – (Eliminated)

Aligarh Tigers concluded UPKL Season 2 in tenth place with six points from 11 matches. With three wins, they struggled to keep pace with the mid-table teams. Several close losses and missed chances defined their campaign. Although they were eliminated early from the semi-final race, the Tigers gained valuable experience that could aid future improvement.

JD Noida Ninjas – (Eliminated)

Noida Ninjas ended the league stage at the bottom of the table with four points from 11 matches. Like the Kanpur Warriors, they managed only two wins during the season. Defensive issues and a poor score difference hampered their campaign throughout. The Ninjas will look to regroup and address these shortcomings before returning in the next edition.

Kanpur Warriors – (Eliminated)

Kanpur Warriors finished 11th with four points after winning just two matches. A difficult season saw them struggle for rhythm and consistency, especially against stronger opponents. Despite occasional flashes of promise, the Warriors were unable to convert performances into results. Their focus will now shift toward rebuilding ahead of the next season.

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