72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2026: Indian Railways Crowned Champions After Thrilling Final
72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2026
72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2023 was one of the most prestigious domestic kabaddi events in India, featuring some of the country’s top men’s teams vying for the coveted national title. The AK-SAF Championship was organized under the auspices of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and witnessed league matches, knockout rounds, and some exceptional performances from Pro Kabaddi League stars as well. It was also an important opportunity for national team selection ahead of international competition.
After what has been several high-quality days of Kabaddi, the Indian Railways Team beat a determined Services side in the final to win their 8th Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship title. Their reliable performances and experienced squad, as well as their stout defence, made the difference throughout the tournament.
72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2026 Overview
The 72nd version demonstrated the depth of kabaddi talent in India. State associations, institutions, and national organization participants played in several pools before entering the knockout rounds.
| Tournament | 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship |
| Edition | 72nd |
| Year | 2026 |
| Sport | Kabaddi |
| Category | Men’s Senior National Championship |
| Organizer | Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) |
| Champions | Indian Railways |
| Runners-up | Services |
| Third Place | Maharashtra & Uttar Pradesh* |
| Participating Teams | 30+ Teams |
| Format | Group Stage + Knockout |
*Semi-finalists who did not reach the final finished joint third according to the competition format.
Indian Railways Win Their Eighth National Title
Indian Railways once again proved why they are one of the strongest institutional kabaddi teams in India. The squad was consistent throughout the championship with a mix of experienced defenders and powerful raiders.
Railways kept possession in defence, made crucial tackles at important junctures, and capitalised on the rival side’s errors to clinch the national title yet again in the championship match. In the entire tournament, it was largely the same disciplined approach as we had, with the depth of resources available within Railways.
The triumph also reaffirmed Railways’ status as one of the most successful teams in Senior National Kabaddi Championship history.
Tournament Format
The championship followed the traditional AKFI format.
| Stage | Details |
| League Stage | Teams divided into pools |
| Qualification | Top teams advanced |
| Quarter-finals | Knockout matches |
| Semi-finals | Four remaining teams |
| Final | Winner crowned National Champion |
This format rewards consistency during the league stage while demanding peak performance in the knockout rounds.
Participating Teams
More than thirty teams from across India participated in the competition.
| Category | Teams |
| Institutional Teams | Indian Railways, Services, BSF, CISF, CRPF |
| State Teams | Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Gujarat, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa and others |
The diverse field reflected the nationwide popularity of kabaddi and provided opportunities for emerging players to compete against experienced professionals.
Road to the Knockout Stage
The group stage produced several exciting contests, with leading teams dominating their respective pools while a few underdogs also impressed.
Knockout Qualifiers
| Team | Status |
| Indian Railways | Qualified |
| Services | Qualified |
| Maharashtra | Qualified |
| Uttar Pradesh | Qualified |
| Haryana | Qualified |
| Rajasthan | Qualified |
| Tamil Nadu | Qualified |
| BSF | Qualified |
The knockout rounds featured several closely contested matches, highlighting the competitive nature of Indian domestic kabaddi.
Quarter-final Results
The quarter-finals witnessed tactical battles between experienced teams and rising challengers.
| Quarter-final | Winner |
| QF 1 | Indian Railways |
| QF 2 | Services |
| QF 3 | Maharashtra |
| QF 4 | Uttar Pradesh |
Railways and Services produced dominant performances to comfortably secure their semi-final places.
Semi-final Results
The semi-finals featured four of the tournament’s strongest teams.
| Semi-final | Winner |
| Indian Railways vs Maharashtra | Indian Railways |
| Services vs Uttar Pradesh | Services |
Both finalists displayed excellent defensive coordination and effective raiding throughout their matches.
Final Match: Indian Railways vs Services
The championship match lived up to expectations, featuring two experienced institutional teams with several national and Pro Kabaddi League players.
Indian Railways maintained better control during both halves of the contest. Their defenders successfully stopped several crucial raids, while their raiders consistently earned bonus and touch points.
Final Result
| Match | Winner |
| Indian Railways vs Services | Indian Railways |
With this victory, Indian Railways lifted their eighth Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship trophy, reaffirming their dominance in domestic kabaddi.
Final Standings
| Position | Team |
| Champions | Indian Railways |
| Runners-up | Services |
| Joint Third | Maharashtra |
| Joint Third | Uttar Pradesh |
Why Indian Railways Were the Best Team
We will know Railways won the title due to a host of reasons.
- Strong defensive unit.
- Experienced raiders delivering consistently.
- Excellent bench strength.
- Fewer unforced errors.
- Calm performances during pressure situations.
- Effective coaching and match management.
Over the course of the tournament, their more balanced squad rose to the top.
Also Read: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium Delhi | Pro Kabaddi Points Table 2025 | Pro Kabaddi 2025 Schedule
Importance of the Championship
The Senior National Kabaddi Championship is more than just a domestic event.
It serves as:
- The road ahead for India.
- A scouting platform for Pro Kabaddi League franchises
- A showcase for emerging talent.
- The oldest and one of the most prestigious kabaddi competitions in India.
Most of the present-day Indian internationals and PKL stars made their debut and gained national exposure from this championship.
Key Highlights
- Indian Railways won their 8th national title.
- Services finished as runners-up.
- More than 30 teams participated.
- The championship featured several Pro Kabaddi League players.
- Strong defensive performances dominated the knockout rounds.
- The tournament once again demonstrated India’s incredible kabaddi depth.
FAQs about 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship
1. Who won the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship?
Indian Railways won the men’s title after defeating Services in the final.
2. Who finished runner-up?
Services finished as runners-up.
3. Who organized the tournament?
The championship was organized under the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI).
4. Why is the Senior National Championship important?
It is India’s premier domestic kabaddi tournament and serves as an important selection platform for national teams while also helping identify future Pro Kabaddi League stars.
5. How many Senior National titles has Indian Railways won?
With this victory, Indian Railways secured their eighth Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship title, further cementing their legacy in Indian kabaddi.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi 2025 Players List | Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium | Netaji Indoor Stadium
