Haryana vs Railways Kabaddi Final: Thrilling Senior National Result
Domestic Indian kabaddi rarely delivers drama as raw, intense, and tactically absorbing as a title clash between two heavyweights. At the 72nd Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship held at the G.M.C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, the grand finale lived up to every bit of its billing. In a pulsating contest that went down to the absolute wire, Haryana orchestrated a brilliant come-from-behind victory, edging out defending champions Indian Railways 39-37 to lift the prestigious championship trophy.
Haryana vs Railways Final – Match Details
| Match Detail | Verified Information |
| Championship | 72nd Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship |
| Edition | 72nd |
| Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Venue | G.M.C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Finalists | Haryana vs Indian Railways |
| Final Score | Haryana 39 – 37 Indian Railways |
| Winner | Haryana (Gold Medal) |
| Runner-Up | Indian Railways (Silver Medal) |
| Top Scorer (Haryana) | Nikita (17 points) |
| Top Scorer (Railways) | Pooja (11 points) |
How the Women’s Kabaddi Final Unfolded
The championship match began at a frantic pace, with both sides refusing to give an inch. Indian Railways, boasting a formidable squad seasoned with international stars and defending champions’ pedigree, struck early blows through swift chain tackles and sharp raiding from Pooja. Railways dictated the early tempo, utilizing their trademark composure to build a narrow advantage through the opening half.
However, Haryana refused to fold under pressure. Anchored by the unstoppable brilliance of star raider Nikita—who tormented the Railways’ defense with deep footwork and explosive hand touches—Haryana systematically chipped away at the deficit. Supportive contributions from Ruchi and Raj Rani ensured that the scoreboard pressure remained squarely on the defending champions as the match entered its decisive closing chapters.
What Happened in the Final Minutes?
The closing moments of the 72nd Senior National final will be remembered as a masterclass in nerve control. Entering the final minute with margins razor-thin, both teams engaged in high-stakes tactical chess.
Railways attempted to run down the clock during empty raids, trying to protect a fragile grip on the game. Haryana, however, executed a disciplined defensive line that shut down escape routes, backed up by clinical bonus-point raiding. In the dying seconds, Haryana seized the momentum with a crucial defensive stop followed by a calculated touch point, completing a thrilling comeback that sealed a 39-37 scoreline and sent the Haryana dugout into raptures.
The Key Raids and Tackles
- Nikita’s Offensive Masterclass: Haryana’s spearhead amassed a staggering 17 points, balancing aggressive running hand touches with vital bonus points under duress.
- Ruchi and Raj Rani’s Support: Contributing 9 points and valuable supporting raids respectively, they ensured Haryana never suffered a prolonged scoring drought.
- Railways’ Resilience: Pooja led Railways’ charts with 11 points, complemented by stellar 6-point all-round showings from Sonali Shingate and fellow contributors, but minor defensive lapses in the final minute proved costly.
Haryana’s Tactical Approach
Haryana’s strategy relied heavily on high-energy momentum shifts and shifting the burden of proof onto Railways’ corners. By keeping Nikita active and utilizing quick-footed advances, they forced Railways into defensive adjustments. Defensively, Haryana maintained tight chain structures in the closing minutes, neutralizing escape routes and executing decisive tackles when space vanished.
Railways’ Response
As defending champions, Indian Railways played with structural discipline, relying on textbook chain tackles and structured raiding patterns. Their ability to minimize unforced errors kept them ahead for large stretches. Yet, facing a relentless Haryana wave in the end-game, Railways’ defense cracked slightly under the intense clock-management pressure.
Road to the Final
| Stage | Haryana’s Journey | Indian Railways’ Journey |
| Group / League | Topped Pool D (e.g., 52-26 vs Goa, 62-16 vs Jharkhand) | Topped Pool A (e.g., 88-12 vs J&K, 54-21 vs Delhi) |
| Pre-Quarterfinals | Defeated Vidarbha (50-19) | Defeated Karnataka (46-27) |
| Quarterfinals | Defeated Madhya Pradesh (63-16) | Defeated Maharashtra (58-23) |
| Semifinals | Defeated Himachal Pradesh (35-29) | Defeated Tamil Nadu (46-28) |
| Final | Won vs Railways (39-37) | Lost vs Haryana (37-39) |
Why the Championship Matters to Indian Women’s Kabaddi
The Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship acts as the ultimate crucible for the sport in India. Featuring 28 competitive teams and over 370 elite players—including core members of India’s World Cup and international squads—the tournament serves as a primary selection ground for national duty, particularly ahead of major continental fixtures like the Asian Games. The intense rivalry between institutional powerhouses like Railways and regional powerhouses like Haryana ensures the highest standard of technical play.
Conclusion
The 72nd Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship final will long be remembered as an epic display of skill, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude. While Indian Railways displayed champion poise throughout the tournament, Haryana’s late-game surge—sparked by Nikita’s 17-point masterclass—turned the tide. Securing a narrow 39-37 victory, Haryana stamped their authority on Indian women’s kabaddi, delivering an unforgettable spectacle for fans and pundits alike.
FAQs
1. What was the final score between Haryana and Railways?
Haryana defeated Indian Railways 39-37 in a closely contested final.
2. Who won the 72nd Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship?
Haryana was crowned the champions, claiming the gold medal.
3. When and where was the final played?
The final took place on January 30, 2026, at the G.M.C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana.
4. Who were the standout players in the final?
Nikita led Haryana with 17 points, while Pooja top-scored for Indian Railways with 11 points.
5. What happened in the final moments of the match?
Haryana staged a dramatic comeback, utilizing disciplined defensive stops and clutch raids to overturn the deficit and edge out Railways by two points.