Cuttack, Feb 22 Defending champions Haryana led top contenders Maharashtra, Services, and Punjab into the quarterfinals as 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 quarterfinal 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 favourites with a clinical dismantling of Madhya Pradesh. The servicemen's potent combination of disciplined defense and aggressive raiding 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 sailed through as they steadily built their lead to secure a comfortable win.
The results have set up two intriguing quarterfinal 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.
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