Published: January 9, 2026 at 8:24 am
Ganga Kings of Mirzapur put paid to Gazab Ghaziabad’s hopes of reaching the playoffs with a 44-38 victory on Day 15 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2. The match carried high stakes for both sides, as Ganga Kings of Mirzapur, already out of the top four race, were up against a charged Gazab Ghaziabad, who entered the contest placed fourth and needing a win to secure their playoff position.
The contest began on an even note, with both teams trading raids and tackles in the early exchanges. As the match progressed, Ganga Kings tightened their defensive structure and began to dictate terms. Their discipline at the back paid dividends as they forced Gazab Ghaziabad all-out twice, opening up a decisive lead and shifting momentum firmly in their favour.
Gazab Ghaziabad attempted to respond by raising their intensity in the second half and managed to force an all-out on Ganga Kings, briefly reviving hopes of a comeback. However, the gap proved too wide to bridge, and Ganga continued to manage the game intelligently, denying Gazab the sustained momentum they required.
In the closing phase, Ganga Kings maintained composure under pressure, ensuring Gazab were kept at arm’s length and sealing a 44–38 victory. The result proved significant in the context of the Do-or-Die Week, as Ganga Kings, despite being out of top four contention, spoilt Gazab Ghaziabad’s qualification push and added another twist to the playoff race.
Brij Stars keep their playoff chances alive
The second match delivered one of the biggest results of the day as Brij Stars kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating league leaders Lucknow Lions 44–34. Lucknow Lions controlled the first half with their trademark composure and entered the break with a narrow three-point lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime, as Brij Stars raised their defensive intensity and forced Lucknow Lions into back-to-back all-outs. Energised by continuous crowd support, Brij maintained pressure throughout the second half, preventing Lucknow from regaining rhythm and sealing a vital victory that kept their top four ambitions intact.
Aligarh Tigers defeat Yamuna Yodhas
The third encounter saw Aligarh Tigers edge past Yamuna Yodhas 48–43 in an entertaining, high-scoring contest between two teams already out of top four contention but eager to finish the season strongly. Aligarh took early control through effective raiding, with Vinay returning to action and combining well with Kunal Bhati to trouble the Yamuna defence. As expected, Yamuna mounted a strong second-half comeback and threatened to push the match into a tiebreaker, but a decisive super raid by Kunal Bhati in the closing minutes ensured Aligarh retained control and closed out the win.
Kashi Kings strengthen their position
The final match of the day belonged entirely to Kashi Kings, who delivered a dominant 62–32 victory over JD Noida Ninjas to strengthen their top four position. Kashi asserted control from the opening exchanges, repeatedly breaking through JD Noida’s defence and inflicting four all-outs over the course of the match. Led by Arjun Sirohi, who amassed 19 raid points, and Varun, who added 14 raid points, Kashi dismantled JD Noida’s resistance as their supporters created a charged atmosphere in the stands. The emphatic win further intensified the battle at the top end of the table.
With only one league matchday remaining, the Do-or-Die Week has lived up to its name, delivering pressure, unpredictability, and high-quality kabaddi. January 10 will see the top four teams fight it out for the UPKL trophy, and after Day 15’s results, the race to make that cut is tighter than ever, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the league phase.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Dinesh Sharma being felicitated on Day 15 of the UPKL in Noida on Thursday evening
Such leagues provide athletes clearer pathways: Dinesh Sharma
Earlier in the day, former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Dinesh Sharma watched the game between Ganga Kings of Mirzapur and Gazab Ghaziabad. He was felicitated ahead of the game.
During his visit, Dinesh Sharma expressed his happiness at being present at UPKL and observing the league’s growing scale and organisation. He highlighted kabaddi’s deep-rooted history in India, describing it as a sport that combines physical strength with strategic thinking. He noted that kabaddi has existed for thousands of years and pointed to India’s consistent success at the Asian Games as a reflection of the sport’s strong foundation in the country.
Reflecting on the sport’s evolution, Dinesh Sharma said, “Kabaddi was traditionally a village game, but structured platforms like UPKL have helped transform it into a city-based competitive sport. Such leagues provide athletes with exposure, professional environments, and clearer pathways to higher levels of competition.”
He also emphasised the importance of organised leagues such as UPKL in creating structured opportunities for athletes. Stressing the role of grassroots development, he observed that platforms like UPKL help identify and nurture talent at an early stage, which is essential for building a strong and competitive national team over time.
The felicitation and presence of senior public figures at the venue further underlined UPKL’s expanding relevance within India’s sporting ecosystem, as the league continues to strengthen its role in promoting kabaddi at both grassroots and competitive levels.
