Vadodara, February 23 A total of 31 teams from across the country, with approximately 400 players, will compete in the 72nd Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship, which will be held at the Sama Indoor Complex here from February 24 to 27.
Organized under the auspices of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the tournament will feature a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars.
Players who excelled in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 will also be participating.
Among the standout players to watch are the top three raiders from PKL Season 12 – Ayan Lohchab (Haryana), Devank Dalal, and Bharat Hooda (Services).
Ashu Malik, who led Dabang Delhi to a championship-winning campaign last season, will represent Railways, while Arjun Deshwal will once again lead Uttar Pradesh.
The tournament will also highlight emerging talents such as Deepak Sankar (Tamil Nadu), who recorded 64 tackle points for the Bengaluru Bulls and was named the New Young Player of the Season in PKL 12.
Maharashtra will be represented by Puneri Paltan raider Aditya Shinde, who accumulated 159 raid points, including five super raids.
Haryana defender Nitesh Kumar, another standout performer with 65 tackle points and five High 5s, will also be part of the championship, along with promising players Anil (Himachal Pradesh) and Uday Parte (Madhya Pradesh).
Defending champions Services, with a star-studded lineup including Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, Bharat Hooda, Ankit Jaglan, and Jaideep Dahiya, will enter the tournament aiming to retain their title.
Railways, Haryana, and Maharashtra, backed by equally formidable squads, are expected to present strong challenges, setting the stage for a fiercely contested championship.
The tournament will also serve as a vital platform for elite and emerging players, with consistent performances often paving the way for selection into national camps, the Indian team, and professional leagues.