Cuttack. The knockout stages of the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championships kicked off with four compelling Round of 16 clashes at Cuttack’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, setting up two mouth-watering quarter-final encounters.

Defending champions Haryana, who were guided by star PKL players like defender Yogesh Kathuniya and raider Ashu Malik were pushed hard by Tamil Nadu in what proved to be the most competitive fixture of the day. Despite Tamil Nadu’s spirited resistance, Haryana’s superior raiding unit helped them secure a 48-41 victory in a high-scoring encounter.

The Naveen Kumar-led Services demonstrated why they remain one of the tournament favorites with a clinical dismantling of Madhya Pradesh. The servicemen’s disciplined defense and aggressive raiding combination proved too much for Madhya Pradesh to handle, resulting in a commanding 57-22 scoreline.

Punjab, another kabaddi powerhouse, made light work of Bihar with a dominant 47-18 victory. Their experienced squad controlled the proceedings from start to finish, barely allowing Bihar any momentum throughout the match.

Host state Odisha’s campaign came to an end as they fell to Maharashtra 43-26. Despite vocal home support, Maharashtra had guidance from the likes of Akash Shinde, Ajit Chouhan and Pankaj Mohite, and showed through as they steadily built their lead to secure a comfortable win.

The results have set up two intriguing quarter-final matchups. Haryana will face Services in what promises to be a tactical battle between two disciplined units, while Maharashtra will look to continue their impressive form against Punjab.

Cuttack, February 21, 2025: The second day of the Senior National Kabaddi Championships witnessed more high-intensity battles across different pools, with Services – led by Pro Kabaddi League’s very own Naveen Kumar – delivering the most commanding performance of the day in their 70-33 victory over Chhattisgarh.

Goa managed to edge past Jammu & Kashmir 38-35 in a closely fought encounter, while Rajasthan showcased their prowess in a convincing 61-43 win against Jharkhand.

Karnataka demonstrated their talent with a clinical 46-26 victory over Uttarakhand, while Punjab dominated their match against Bengal, securing a 49-24 win. Uttar Pradesh controlled their game against Assam, winning 35-19, and Tamil Nadu proved too strong for Pondicherry with a 47-35 victory.

Defending champions Haryana – which has Ashu Malik at the fore – continued their winning streak, defeating Delhi 39-19 in a Pool A encounter. Railways, maintaining their momentum from day one, overcame Bihar 45-27, while Maharashtra added another win to their tally by defeating Himachal Pradesh 37-24.

In Pool D’s matches, Chandigarh continued their impressive form with a convincing 51-32 win over Madhya Pradesh. The day’s most thrilling encounter saw Andhra Pradesh stage a remarkable comeback to edge past Gujarat 40-39, providing a fitting finale to an action-packed day.

Also boasting the likes of Devank Dalal, the Services’ dominant performance against Chhattisgarh was particularly noteworthy, with their raiders and defenders working in perfect sync to build up what would become the highest score of the tournament so far.

The results from Day Two’s first half have started to shape the qualification picture across all pools, with teams like Services, Karnataka, Punjab, and Haryana emerging as strong contenders for the knockout stages. As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify further, with teams fighting for crucial points to secure their passage to the next round.

The three-year partnership coincides with the launch of Highland’s flagship residential project in Mohali, which exemplifies their commitment to bespoke living experiences ~

Chandigarh, February 20: Leading real estate developer Highland and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings today announced a three-year partnership, with Highland coming on board as an ‘Official Partner’ starting IPL 2025.

The partnership coincides with the launch of Highland’s flagship residential project in Mohali, HIGHLAND MAYFIELDS, which exemplifies their commitment to bespoke living experiences. As a leading developer in Punjab, Highland boasts a diverse portfolio, including pioneering developments such as the first Red Zone-marking industrial city, world-class hospitality experiences with 5-star hotels, and Redefining Acre Living—An Exclusive 50+ Acre Luxury Community for the Select Few.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Punjab Kings, a team that embodies the same spirit of excellence that drives Highland,” said Mr. Vishal Goyal, MD of Highland. “This partnership goes beyond a mere collaboration; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the lives of Punjab’s people. We aim to deliver unparalleled experiences, and this association with Punjab Kings allows us to connect with a vibrant community and cohesively work towards showcasing Punjab’s culture into the world.”

Punjab Kings are set to enter the upcoming IPL season with a revamped squad and a renewed vision, led by Head Coach Ricky Ponting and new captain Shreyas Iyer. This dynamic partnership, aligned with the team’s fresh direction on the field, aims to bring new energy and a modern edge to the team’s identity.

Speaking on the partnership, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said, “At the Punjab Kings, we always strive to build deeper, lasting relationships with our partners. We are delighted to welcome Highland and look forward to strengthening our partnership over the next three years. We believe this collaboration will inspire and benefit current and future generations of fans.”

Focusing on innovation and promoting Punjab’s vibrant spirit globally, both brands are geared up for shared growth and success in the upcoming IPL season.