UPKL Season 2: The tenth day of the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 at the Noida Indoor Stadium proved to be one of the most decisive matchdays so far, as five matches delivered crucial results that further tightened the race at the top of the league table.
From momentum-shifting comebacks to dominant second-half performances and a high-stakes top-of-the-table clash, the day underlined the growing intensity as the league heads into a critical phase. Ganga Kings of Mirzapur registered their second win of the season with a convincing 44-33 victory over Purvanchal Panthers, producing a strong comeback after a difficult start.
Purvanchal Panthers began the match at a fast pace, raiding aggressively and opening up a seven-point lead in the early stages. Ganga Kings initially struggled to contain the pressure but gradually found their rhythm by tightening their defence and reducing the scoring opportunities for Purvanchal’s raiders.
The turning point came when Ganga Kings inflicted an all-out on Purvanchal Panthers, completely shifting the momentum of the contest. That phase allowed Ganga to erase the deficit and move into a three-point lead at halftime, despite trailing earlier.
In the second half, Purvanchal attempted to regroup and close the gap, but Ganga managed the game intelligently. A three-point super raid by Amit Nagar halted Purvanchal’s comeback attempt, and Ganga followed it up with another all-out, which effectively sealed the match. From there, Ganga maintained control and closed out the contest comfortably. Following the win, team president Vedika Trivedi was visibly enthusiastic as the players celebrated an important result.
Gazab Ghaziabad withstand Kanpur fightback to secure vital win
Gazab Ghaziabad strengthened their position in the top four with a hard-fought 34-29 victory over Kanpur Warriors in the second match of the day.
Kanpur Warriors attempted to assert themselves early, but Gazab seized control through a decisive mid-match stretch. Gazab inflicted an all-out on Kanpur, followed it up with a super raid, and then forced another all-out, opening up a 13-point lead and placing Kanpur under sustained pressure. The performance came in the absence of captain Uday Dabas, who was rested due to discomfort from the previous match. In his absence, Aman Rana stepped up in attack, delivering timely raids and ensuring Gazab maintained control during crucial phases.
Kanpur Warriors showed resilience in the second half, mounting a spirited comeback and forcing an all-out to reduce the margin to five points. However, Gazab Ghaziabad tightened their defence in the closing minutes, managed the clock effectively, and held their nerve to secure a valuable win.
Brij Stars dominate second half to overpower JD Noida Ninjas
Brij Stars delivered a composed and disciplined second-half performance to defeat JD Noida Ninjas 37-23, turning what began as a tight contest into a comfortable victory. The match started cautiously, with both teams focusing on defensive stability. JD Noida Ninjas struck first by inflicting an early all-out, giving them a two-point lead and early momentum.
Brij Stars responded with patience, reorganising defensively and waiting for openings. The decisive moment arrived in the second half when Brij Stars inflicted an all-out on JD Noida Ninjas, completely swinging momentum in their favour. With confidence growing, Brij Stars raised the intensity and soon forced another all-out, widening the gap and denying JD Noida any chance of a comeback.
JD Noida struggled to regain rhythm as Brij Stars controlled the tempo through disciplined defence and measured raids, eventually pulling away to register a convincing win.
Awadh Ramdoots edge Yamuna Yoddhas after late drama
Awadh Ramdoots emerged victorious in a pulsating encounter, defeating Yamuna Yoddhas 44-40 in a match marked by repeated momentum shifts and late drama. Awadh asserted early control by inflicting an all-out within the opening nine minutes, building pressure through organised defence and efficient raiding. Their approach helped them carry a six-point lead into halftime, despite Yamuna’s resistance.
Yamuna Yoddhas returned strongly after the break, raising the tempo and levelling the scores within seven minutes of the restart. Awadh responded by regaining momentum and opening up a 10-point lead, appearing to have taken firm control of the contest.
However, Yamuna refused to surrender. A crucial super raid by Ritik Sharma resulted in an all-out for Awadh and brought the scores level with just two minutes remaining. With the crowd fully engaged, Awadh Ramdoots showed composure in the closing exchanges, executing key raids and defensive stops to pull away and secure the win.
Arjun Deshwal magic powers Lucknow Lions past Kashi Kings in top-of-the-table clash
The final match of the day featured a high-stakes showdown between the top two teams on the league table, with Lucknow Lions delivering a statement 48-29 victory over Kashi Kings to retain their position at the summit. The contest began cautiously, with both sides aware of the significance of the result. The match tilted decisively when Arjun Deshwal produced two explosive super raids, both resulting in all-outs against Kashi Kings, dramatically shifting momentum in Lucknow’s favour.
Lucknow capitalised on the advantage, combining aggressive raiding with disciplined defence to build a substantial first-half lead. In the second half, they maintained intensity and inflicted another all-out, extending the margin further.
Kashi Kings attempted a response and managed to force an all-out, but the deficit proved too large. Lucknow Lions controlled the closing stages with maturity, sealing a commanding win that further sharpened the race at the top of the UPKL Season 2 standings.