Kashi Kings etched their name into the history books by clinching the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 title, producing a composed and tactically superior performance to defeat Lucknow Lions 38-32 in a high-pressure final at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
The summit clash carried enormous expectations, with both teams entering the final as the most consistent and dominant sides of the season. Yet, when it mattered most, it was Kashi Kings who displayed greater clarity of thought and control of execution, thriving under pressure while forcing uncharacteristic errors from the usually dependable Lucknow Lions.
Nerves were evident early, particularly in the Lucknow camp. Their defence, a cornerstone of their success throughout the league phase, struggled to settle, allowing Kashi Kings to dictate the tempo. The Kings repeatedly drew mistakes through intelligent raids and sharp movement, exposing gaps in the Lions’ defensive structure. The pressure told heavily, as Lucknow went through the entire first half without registering a single tackle point- a rare and telling statistic for a side known for its discipline.
Kashi Kings capitalised fully on the situation. Sustained pressure and calculated game management forced Lucknow Lions into an all-out midway through the first half, giving Kashi a crucial advantage. By halftime, the Kings had built a six-point lead, firmly seizing momentum and confidence.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Kashi showing no signs of easing off. Within the first three minutes after the restart, they inflicted another all-out, extending their lead to eleven points and tightening their grip on the championship. Their balance between aggression and restraint proved decisive, as they controlled raids, managed the clock intelligently, and denied Lucknow any sustained rhythm.
To their credit, Lucknow Lions mounted a spirited fightback, relying on aggressive raiding and quicker transitions to narrow the margin and keep the contest alive. However, each surge was met with calm resistance from Kashi Kings, who refused to panic in the face of mounting pressure. A decisive super tackle in the closing moments halted Lucknow’s final push, effectively sealing the outcome.
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Kashi Kings eventually closed out the final with a deserved 38-32 victory, capping off a remarkable campaign built on tactical clarity, defensive sharpness, and composure on the biggest stage. The triumph marked a historic moment for the franchise as they lifted their maiden UPKL trophy.
While Lucknow Lions finished runners-up, their journey throughout the season- including a dominant league phase- underscored their quality and competitiveness. The final also brought the curtain down on a highly competitive edition of the UPKL, one that showcased emerging talent, intense rivalries, and the growing stature of kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh.
For Kashi Kings, the night belonged to belief, discipline, and execution- a championship earned not just through skill, but through mastering the moments that matter most.
