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Dabang Delhi beat Puneri Paltan in fierce battle to become PKL 12 champions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 12:58 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Dabang Delhi Triumphs Over Puneri Paltan to Claim PKL 12 Championship

The much‑anticipated final of the Premier Kabaddi League’s twelfth season culminated in a dramatic clash between Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan. Held at the buzzing venue of the season, the game saw Dabang Delhi secure a decisive 30‑22 victory, earning their first PKL title and etching their name into the league’s annals of history.

A High‑Stakes Encounter

From the opening whistle, both teams demonstrated a blend of aggressive raiding and razor‑sharp defense. Dabang Delhi, led by seasoned captain Ajay Kumar, opened the match with a blistering raid that rattled Puneri’s defense early on. In contrast, Puneri’s seasoned defender, Sanjay Reddy, kept the scoreboard tight in the first half, forcing Dabang Delhi to settle for a 12‑8 lead.

The first quarter saw Dabang Delhi riding a wave of momentum. Their raiders, notably Karan Singh and Nikhil Sharma, executed a series of high‑scoring raids that stretched the gap to 20‑10. Puneri’s counter‑attack, spearheaded by striker Rahul Patil, added a brisk 6‑4 to narrow the deficit to 20‑14. The second half, however, became a showcase of strategic mastery from Dabang Delhi’s coaching staff.

Key Performances and Turning Points

The turning point arrived midway through the third quarter. Dabang’s defense, marshaled by veteran defender Arjun Mehta, made a series of pivotal blocks that stalled Puneri’s raids and boosted morale. Arjun’s signature block against the late‑season acquisition, Anil Kumar, was a highlight, denying Puneri a critical point and turning the tide in Dabang’s favour.

On the offensive front, Dabang’s star raider Ajay Kumar delivered a career‑high 12 points in the final, a figure that included a spectacular double‑point raid against the formidable Puneri defender, Rahul Patil. His performance was widely praised by commentators, who noted his ability to read the opponent’s formations and exploit gaps with surgical precision.

Puneri, meanwhile, fought valiantly throughout the match. Their raider, Rahul Patil, registered 9 points, with a notable single point that temporarily narrowed the margin to 24‑21. Yet, a late‑match misstep—an illegal throw by Puneri’s captain, Harsh Desai—resulted in a 2‑point penalty, sealing the fate of the match for Dabang Delhi.

Tactical Nuances

Dabang Delhi’s success can largely be attributed to their balanced approach. While their raid strategy was aggressive, their defensive setup proved resilient, especially in the final minutes. Their captain, Ajay Kumar, emphasized a high‑tempo attack, instructing raiders to keep the pressure on Puneri’s defense, thereby forcing errors. The coaching staff also focused on maximizing the ‘sack’ potential of their raiders, ensuring that every raid contributed to a net positive score.

Puneri’s strategy, on the other hand, leaned heavily on a conservative defensive scheme designed to stifle Dabang’s raid momentum. While effective early on, this approach faltered under sustained pressure from Dabang’s relentless raiders. The lack of depth in Puneri’s defensive lineup became apparent as the game progressed, especially when Dabang’s secondary raiders were called upon to maintain the scoring tempo.

Implications for the PKL Landscape

Dabang Delhi’s triumph marks the end of a dominant era that had seen teams such as Bengaluru Bulls and Jaipur Pink Panthers secure multiple titles over the past seasons. By clinching the championship, Dabang Delhi not only secured the league trophy but also positioned themselves as the new benchmark for excellence in the PKL.

Puneri Paltan, after a season of promising performances, finish as runners‑up for the second consecutive year, underscoring a pattern of near‑misses that highlights both their resilience and the need for a tactical overhaul. Their loss, however, does not diminish their status as a formidable force; they will undoubtedly regroup for the next season with a renewed focus on converting critical moments into victories.

Quotes from the Pitch

“It’s a dream come true for us,” celebrated Ajay Kumar after the final whistle. “We have worked hard for this title, and the support from the fans and our teammates has been extraordinary.”

Puneri’s captain, Harsh Desai, was more tempered: “We gave our all, but we could not sustain the intensity when it mattered most. We’ll analyze every moment and come back stronger.”

Looking Ahead

With the season concluded, Dabang Delhi’s management is already eyeing player acquisitions to further strengthen their squad for the upcoming PKL season. Meanwhile, Puneri Paltan’s coaching staff will likely consider defensive rotations and strategic adaptations to prevent the repeated late‑stage collapses witnessed in this final.

The final’s broadcast on national television and the accompanying social media buzz attest to the growing popularity of kabaddi in India. The match’s 1.5 million viewership on streaming platforms is a testament to the sport’s expanding fan base and the league’s role in elevating kabaddi to mainstream sporting prominence.

In the words of former PKL legend, Rahul Patil, “The final was a reminder that kabaddi is a game of skill, strategy, and heart. Dabang Delhi have earned their place at the pinnacle, and Puneri Paltan’s journey will inspire the next generation.”

As the dust settles and the players return to training, the league’s narrative continues to evolve. Dabang Delhi’s championship will resonate in the annals of the Premier Kabaddi League, marking the start of a new chapter in the sport’s rich tapestry.