Published: March 31, 2026 at 12:44 pm
The Haryana Steelers Academy defeated Sports Centre Geong to emerge victorious in the inaugural Haryana Steelers Cup (HS Cup) at the BRS Kabaddi Academy in Dighal on Sunday.
The final encounter proved highly competitive, as both teams showcased discipline and strong fundamentals. Haryana Steelers Academy emerged victorious after making a strong comeback to secure the title. The win comes following a dominant, unbeaten run in the group stage. The match drew a strong turnout of players, coaches, and members of the local community, creating a lively atmosphere. This also reflected the growing enthusiasm for grassroots kabaddi in the state.
With a prize pool of Rs 5 Lakh, the tournament facilitated the winners, runners-up, and standout individual performers. This included Ishant from Haryana Steelers Academy, who was the Best Raider with 49 points, while Harsh from Naultha School was awarded Best Defender with 29 tackle points.
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The tournament brought together 61 teams from across Rohtak, Hisar, and Sonipat and marked a significant step in Haryana Steelers’ efforts to build a structured grassroots pathway for kabaddi in the state.
The HS Cup followed a multi-stage format with zonal rounds for players aged 16-20 years old. The competition was narrowed down to six teams in the league stage, with each team playing five matches. The top two teams then advanced to the final.
Haryana Steelers Academy defeated Sports Centre Geong in the HS Cup at the BRS Kabaddi Academy in Dighal on Sunday
The finals witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Kulbir Alhawat, founder, BRS Kabaddi Academy. Mehtab Singh, fitness and youth influencer, Shakuntala Beniwal, sports director, MDU, and Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh were also present. Haryana Steelers player Vinay Tewathia, part of the PKL Season 11 winning squad, was also in attendance and interacted with participants.
There is immense talent across Haryana: Manpreet Singh
Speaking after the final, Haryana Steelers head coach, Manpreet Singh said, “The level of competition we witnessed throughout the HS Cup has been extremely encouraging. There is immense talent across the state. Platforms like these are crucial in identifying and nurturing talented players early on in their careers. Through this tournament, we aim to create a structured pathway to provide exposure to young athletes and help them understand the demands of performing at the professional level.”
The Haryana Steelers Cup marks a significant step in strengthening the grassroots structure of kabaddi in the state. The tournament brings together competition, talent identification, and development under a unified framework. The initiative also reflects JSW Sports’ and Haryana Steelers’ long-term vision for building pathways for young athletes and the sport of Kabaddi across Haryana.
Owned by JSW Sports, the Haryana Steelers are one of the most dynamic franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Rooted in Haryana, the birthplace of kabaddi, the team embodies the values of resilience, strength, and unity. The Steelers scripted history in Season 11 of PKL (2024–25) by lifting their maiden Pro Kabaddi League title. After a heartbreaking loss in the Season 10 final against Puneri Paltan, the team staged a remarkable comeback to dominate Season 11 and finishing as league toppers with 15 wins in 22 matches and 84 points, and eventually defeating Patna Pirates in a thrilling final to be crowned champions. With a strong legacy, world-class support through JSW Sports’ Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), and a passionate fan base, the Haryana Steelers continue to aim higher – representing Haryana’s kabaddi culture with pride and inspiring the next generation of players.
