Purvanchal Panthers deliver best defensive display to defeat Brij Stars

Purvanchal Panthers produced their most complete performance of the season to defeat Brij Stars 48–35 in the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night.

The match began with both teams raiding efficiently, keeping the contest evenly poised in the early stages. The key moment of the first half came when Purvanchal Panthers inflicted an all-out on Brij Stars, which helped them build momentum. Raider Hritik Rathi played a key role in attack, as Purvanchal headed into halftime with a five-point lead.

Purvanchal Panthers tightened their defence further in the second half, delivering what was their strongest defensive showing of the season. An early all-out after the break allowed them to extend their advantage, while Brij Stars struggled to stabilise defensively.

In the final five minutes, Purvanchal Panthers’ raider Bhanu Pratap produced a decisive super raid, collecting three points and widening the gap further. Purvanchal followed this up by inflicting another all-out, capitalising on Brij Stars’ defensive lapses in the second half to seal the contest comfortably.

Purvanchal Panthers closed out a 48–35 victory, registering their second win of UPKL Season 2 and underlining a performance built on disciplined defence and timely raiding.

Anu Sen felicitated by UPKL

Anu Sen, who was part of the Indian squad that clinched the title at the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, was honoured in recognition of her contribution to India’s successful World Cup campaign and her achievement on the international stage.

Anu Sen, a member of India’s women’s Kabaddi World Cup–winning team, was felicitated during the evening. Anu Sen, who was part of the Indian squad that clinched the title at the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, was honoured in recognition of her contribution to India’s successful World Cup campaign and her achievement on the international stage.

During the felicitation, Anu Sen expressed her happiness at being invited to witness UPKL Season 2 and appreciated the presence of a platform like UPKL, highlighting its importance in strengthening kabaddi and creating more competitive opportunities, including for women players.

Speaking on the occasion, Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director of UPKL, said that grassroots development is key to the growth of any sport. He added that the league is exploring plans to introduce women’s initiatives under the UPKL framework in the near future, with a strong focus on grassroots development.

The felicitation was warmly received by players, officials, and fans present at the venue, reinforcing UPKL’s commitment to recognising excellence and promoting inclusive growth within the kabaddi ecosystem.