UPKL Season 2: The second season of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League began on an electrifying note at the Noida Indoor Stadium, instantly capturing the attention of kabaddi fans. Although the tournament commenced a day later than originally scheduled, the delay did little to dampen the excitement. The opening day featured four highly competitive matches, three of which were decided by narrow margins, reflecting the growing intensity, skill level, and professionalism of the league. Season 2 has clearly started with strong momentum, setting high expectations for the matches to come.
The season opener witnessed a closely fought battle between Noida Ninjas and Kanpur Warriors, with Noida emerging victorious by a slim 39–36 margin. From the opening whistle, both teams demonstrated balanced gameplay, exchanging raid and tackle points consistently. Kanpur Warriors relied heavily on bonus points and steady raiding to remain competitive throughout the contest.
As the match progressed into the final phase, Noida Ninjas showed better control under pressure. Their defenders executed crucial tackles at decisive moments, while the raiders made calculated moves to maintain a slight edge. This combination of composure and timely execution helped Noida Ninjas clinch the first win of the season, making a confident start to their campaign.
The second match of the day saw defending champions Lucknow Lions deliver a powerful statement with a comprehensive 49–23 win over Ganga Kings of Mirzapur. The first half was tightly contested, with Mirzapur matching Lucknow’s intensity and restricting them to a narrow one-point lead at halftime.
However, the second half told a very different story. Lucknow Lions significantly increased their tempo, showcasing aggressive raiding and well-coordinated defense. Arjun Deshwal led the charge with relentless raids that unsettled the opposition. The defensive unit complemented the attack perfectly, resulting in six all-outs over the course of the match. This dominant display allowed the champions to pull away decisively and underline their status as title contenders once again.
The third fixture of the opening day delivered a high-scoring thriller as Aligarh Tigers defeated Gazab Ghaziabad 46–42. Both teams adopted an attacking approach, making the contest fast-paced and entertaining. Gazab Ghaziabad, under the leadership of captain Uday Dabas, controlled large portions of the match through disciplined defense and well-executed super tackles.
Despite facing sustained pressure, Aligarh Tigers remained resilient and patient. The turning point came when Vinay Tewatia produced two crucial high-value raids that shifted momentum in Aligarh’s favor. These decisive moments proved vital, allowing the Tigers to break through Ghaziabad’s defensive structure and gain a narrow lead. Strong finishing in the final minutes ensured Aligarh Tigers walked away with their first win of the season.
The final match of the day provided another dramatic finish, as Yamuna Yoddhas edged past Brij Stars 42–40 in a contest that remained evenly balanced until the very end. Both sides showed aggressive intent, each recording 26 raid points, highlighting the attacking nature of the game.
Defensive discipline from both teams kept the scoreline tight throughout the match. With just 30 seconds remaining, the scores were level, raising tension among players and spectators alike. Yamuna Yoddhas then executed a perfectly timed raid, followed by a composed defensive stand, to secure a two-point victory in the closing moments. This thrilling finish brought the opening day to an exciting conclusion.
The opening day of UP Kabaddi League Season 2 showcased tactical maturity, resilience, and competitive balance across teams. With close contests, standout individual performances, and strong team strategies already on display, the league promises an action-packed season ahead. Fans can experience the excitement live at the Noida Indoor Stadium, with tickets available at the venue and through online booking platforms.
