The curtain fell on a captivating Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 on March 1st, 2024, as the Puneri Paltan etched their name in history by claiming their first-ever title with a narrow 28-25 victory over a spirited Haryana Steelers outfit. Held at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad, the final delivered an enthralling display of athleticism, strategy, and unwavering determination from both sides.
Puneri Paltan Start Strong, Steelers Fight Back Fiercely
The Paltan, statistically the best team in the league, started with a dominant display. Their robust defensive unit, led by the experienced Girish Maruti, quickly subdued Haryana’s raiders, Shivam Patare and Vinay, forcing them out early. However, the Steelers, playing beyond expectations throughout the season, refused to go down without a fight. A crucial tackle on Mohit Goyat, Puneri Paltan’s star raider, provided them with their first point and ignited a comeback fire.
All-Out Advantage and a Tight Second Half
The turning point arrived in the first half when Goyat, known for his audacious raids, pulled off a crucial All-Out on the Haryana defense, granting Puneri Paltan a significant nine-point lead. This advantage bolstered their confidence, but the Steelers, led by the young and energetic Vikash Kandola in their raiding department, displayed commendable resilience. They employed effective strategies, accumulating bonus points and steadily chipping away at Puneri Paltan’s lead.
Nail-Biting Finish and Paltan’s Triumph
The second half was a masterclass in controlled aggression and tactical maneuvering. Both teams displayed exceptional defensive prowess, making it incredibly difficult for raiders to penetrate their lines. The score remained neck-and-neck, with the lead constantly switching hands. In the final five minutes, with tension mounting, both sides showcased exceptional grit and determination. However, Puneri Paltan managed to hold their nerve, capitalizing on crucial moments and securing their maiden title with a narrow 28-25 victory.
Key player performances in the PKL Season 10 final
Puneri Paltan
- Mohit Goyat: Though not the highest scorer, his timely All-Out on the Haryana defense in the first half provided a crucial nine-point swing and shifted momentum towards Puneri Paltan. He contributed 9 raid points with a balanced approach, combining scoring with drawing defenders and creating opportunities for teammates.
- Fazel Atrachali: Leading by example, the captain anchored the Paltan’s defense with his trademark tackles and timely interceptions, particularly vital during crucial moments in the second half. His calmness and strategic guidance on the field proved invaluable for maintaining composure under pressure.
- Girish Maruti: As a seasoned defender, he played a pivotal role in restricting Haryana’s raiders in the early stages of the match. His experience and defensive prowess helped Puneri Paltan establish a strong foundation in the first half.
- Mohammadreza Chiyaneh: This Iranian powerhouse displayed remarkable defensive prowess, contributing crucial tackles and bolstering the Paltan’s backline, especially against Haryana’s aggressive raids in the second half.
Haryana Steelers
- Vikash Kandola: Emerging as a standout performer, the young raider displayed exceptional skill and bravery in the second half. He scored crucial raid points and showcased impressive raiding technique, keeping Haryana in contention and challenging Puneri Paltan’s defense throughout the final stages.
- Rahul Sethpal: This experienced defender played a vital role in Haryana’s defense, providing strong tackles and strategic support. His experience and leadership helped guide the young Haryana team, especially crucial during their fightback in the second half.
- Shivam Patare: Despite a slow start, the raider recovered well in the second half, contributing crucial raid points and keeping the pressure on Puneri Paltan with his agile movements and tactical raiding approach.
- Vinay: Partnering with Patare, Vinay displayed commendable attacking skills, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and score points. His contribution, particularly in the first half, helped Haryana stay on top of the scoreline initially.
Key Highlights of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Final
Puneri Paltan’s Dominant Start
- The Paltan started strong with their experienced defense, led by Girish Maruti, effectively restricting Haryana’s initial raids.
- Mohit Goyat, Puneri Paltan’s star raider, scored a crucial All-Out on the Haryana defense in the first half, granting his team a significant nine-point lead.
Haryana Steelers’ Resurgence:
- Refusing to surrender, the Steelers displayed remarkable resilience, led by the young and energetic raider Vikash Kandola.
- They employed effective strategies, utilizing bonus points and strategically tackling Puneri Paltan’s raiders to slowly chip away at the lead.
Nail-Biting Finish:
- The second half was a masterclass in controlled aggression and tactical maneuvering. Both teams displayed exceptional defensive skills, making it incredibly difficult for the raiders to score.
- The lead constantly shifted hands, with clutch moments from players like Vikash Kandola (Haryana) and Fazel Atrachali (Puneri Paltan) keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Puneri Paltan’s Triumph:
- Despite the constant threat from Haryana, Puneri Paltan managed to hold their nerve towards the end.
- They capitalized on crucial moments, with timely tackles and strategic raids, to secure their maiden title with a narrow 28-25 victory.
Additional Highlights:
- Pankaj Mohite from Puneri Paltan was awarded the Man of the Match title for his balanced performance, contributing both in offense and defense.
- The match showcased the captivating blend of athleticism, strategy, and mental fortitude required to excel in Kabaddi.
Conclusion:
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 final served as a fitting finale to an enthralling season. It highlighted the league’s growing popularity and showcased the captivating blend of athleticism, strategy, and mental fortitude required to excel in Kabaddi. Puneri Paltan’s historic victory will undoubtedly inspire future generations, while the Haryana Steelers’ remarkable journey serves as a testament to the league’s ability to nurture young talent. The future of Pro Kabaddi appears bright, promising continued growth and exciting competition in the years to come.
