Ritik Sharma produced a performance for the ages as he steered Yamuna Yoddhas to victory over JD Noida Ninjas in the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2. It turned out to be a contest which will be remembered for a long time as it was one of the most intensely played matches in the tournament. Yoddhas won in the second tiebreaker of the season after the teams were locked 42–42 at the end of regulation time.
From the opening exchanges, the match unfolded as a high-quality battle of equals, with both teams responding raid for raid, super raid for super raid, and all-out for all-out. Neither side allowed the other to establish control, keeping the contest finely balanced throughout.
Yamuna Yoddhas’ raider Ritik Sharma finished the match with a record-breaking 28 raid points, the highest by any player in UPKL Season 2 so far. JD Noida Ninjas countered strongly through Rachit Yadav, who scored 19 raid points, ensuring the contest remained neck and neck.
In the closing minutes, Yamuna briefly took a three-point lead through a crucial super tackle, but JD Noida showed composure to force a tie and push the match into a tie-breaker only the second such instance this season.The tie-breaker again revolved around Ritik Sharma, as Yamuna Yoddhas edged JD Noida Ninjas 8–6 to seal the match and cap a historic individual performance.
Awadh Ramdoots dominate Aligarh Tigers
Awadh Ramdoots turn a balanced contest into a commanding 45–36 win over Aligarh Tigers through a powerful second-half surge. Aligarh Tigers stayed competitive in the first half and carried a two-point lead into halftime, but the momentum shifted sharply after the break when Awadh inflicted a crucial all-out.
From there, Awadh tightened their defence and began to extend the lead through composed raiding led by Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi, supported well by Ashish Bhati at the back. Aligarh attempted to fight back but were forced into a second all-out, allowing Awadh to maintain control and close out the match with authority.
Sangam Challengers end Lucknow Lions’ unbeaten run
In one of the most significant results of the season, Sangam Challengers handed Lucknow Lions their first defeat of UPKL Season 2, winning 44–35 and settling scores from their Season 1 final loss.
Lucknow, known for their defensive strength, found themselves under sustained pressure as Sangam disrupted their rhythm. The momentum turned decisively when Sangam forced an all-out, a pattern they repeated three times during the match.
Raiders Pankaj Thakur and Gautam Singh led the charge, repeatedly breaking through the Lucknow defence and preventing any sustained comeback. Sangam’s control across both halves ensured they closed out a statement victory.
Kashi Kings steady nerves to overcome Gazab Ghaziabad
The final match of the day saw Kashi Kings respond strongly after their previous setback, defeating Gazab Ghaziabad 36–32 in a tense encounter.
Kashi dominated the first half, forcing an all-out and building a 10-point lead at halftime. Gazab Ghaziabad fought back after the break, inflicting an all-out of their own and closing the gap to turn the match into a tight battle.
With the contest hanging in the balance, Kashi relied on disciplined defence and strong support from their vocal fans, whose constant cheering electrified the stadium and visibly lifted the players in key moments. That backing helped Kashi regain control and protect their advantage through the closing stages.
