Sangam Challengers showcased a composed and resilient performance to defeat Kanpur Warriors 37–32 in the opening match of Day 12 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2. This victory marked their third consecutive win and propelled them from seventh place to second on the league table.
### Match Highlights
The crucial encounter, characterized by its significance in what is shaping up to be a do-or-die week, was attended by television actors Anup Upadhyay and Vishwajeet Soni, who enjoyed the action at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
Kanpur Warriors started aggressively, applying early pressure that pushed Sangam close to an all-out situation. However, just as Kanpur seemed poised to take control, Sangam Challengers executed a crucial super tackle, halting Kanpur’s momentum. This pivotal moment allowed Sangam to turn the tides by inflicting an all-out on Kanpur Warriors, firmly placing the match in their favor.
### Dominant Performance
Sangam did not allow Kanpur to settle during this phase, continuing to apply pressure with disciplined defense and controlled raiding, extending their lead before halftime. The second half began with Sangam striking early, forcing another all-out on Kanpur, which opened up a significant cushion on the scoreboard.
Although Kanpur Warriors displayed determination in attempting a comeback by tightening their defense and executing two back-to-back super tackles, reducing the deficit to ten points, Sangam responded smartly by slowing down the game tempo. They managed their raids carefully, preventing Kanpur from gaining sustained momentum.
### Key Contributions
A vital aspect of Sangam’s control was the defensive effort led by captain Mayank Malik, who delivered an outstanding performance with eight tackle points, effectively denying Kanpur’s raiders at critical moments and thwarting any chance of a late turnaround.
Sangam Challengers ultimately sealed a 37–32 victory, continuing their upward trajectory and solidifying their position as the league enters a decisive phase.
### League Standings
With this result, the league standings saw a significant shift. Lucknow Lions remain atop the table with 12 points, while Sangam Challengers have climbed to second with 10 points following their third consecutive win. Gazab Ghaziabad sits third with 10 points, alongside Brij Stars, also with 10 points, intensifying the race for the top spots. With only three to four matches remaining for each team, every fixture during this do-or-die week holds increased importance.
Earlier, Day 11 of UPKL Season 2 featured a powerful on-court display from Sangam Challengers, who dismantled Kashi Kings by forcing multiple all-outs and securing a comprehensive win.
Brij Stars delivered a defensive masterclass, defeating Awadh Ramdoots 36–13 by neutralizing their key raiders and inflicting three all-outs. The day concluded with Gazab Ghaziabad’s strong comeback victory over JD Noida Ninjas, supported by Uday Dabas and Aman Rana, lifting Gazab to second place. With five teams tied on 10 points, the title race has intensified sharply.