Delhi, 30 October (H.S.): The grand finale of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is set for a monumental showdown on Friday at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, featuring Dabang Delhi K.C. against Puneri Paltan. The championship match represents the culmination of the season, pitting its two most consistent and disciplined teams against each other for the ultimate prize.
Dabang Delhi, the champions of Season 8, have delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament to secure their place in the final.
In a nail-biting Qualifier-1, Delhi overcame Puneri Paltan in a dramatic 6-4 tie-breaker after the match ended in a 34-34 draw during regulation time. Under the sharp leadership of captain Ashu Malik and the strategic guidance of coach Joginder Narwal, the team has consistently shown immense resilience and composure in high-pressure situations.
Conversely, Puneri Paltan stormed into their third consecutive final by defeating the Telugu Titans in Qualifier-2. Led by captain Aslam Inamdar and coach Ajay Thakur, the Paltan have established themselves as the most balanced squad this season. Their formidable defense, complemented by a dynamic duo of young raiders, has posed a significant threat to opponents all season long.
The rivalry between Delhi and Pune has been exceptionally tight this season, with all three of their encounters concluding in a tie—a testament to how evenly matched the two sides are. While Delhi has heavily relied on the explosive raiding of Ashu Malik, Pune’s strength lies in its disciplined defensive unit and impeccable teamwork.
Playing on their home turf will undoubtedly provide a psychological edge for Dabang Delhi. The experience of seasoned players like Fazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal, and Ashu Malik will be pivotal. The team’s defense has grown stronger with each match, and their proven ability to clinch victories in close contests makes them a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, Puneri Paltan is determined to avenge their loss from the previous season’s final. The aggressive gameplay of young raiders Aditya Shinde and Aslam Inamdar has been a highlight, while their defensive unit’s collective performance has been instrumental in their journey to the final.
I am immensely proud of my team, said Dabang Delhi’s coach, Joginder Narwal. We have navigated this journey together. This success is not the result of a single player but the collective effort of the entire team.The players have fought with unity in every circumstance, and that is our greatest strength.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Puneri Paltan’s coach Ajay Thakur stated, The foundation of our success is built on unity and discipline. A champion team is not built overnight; it demands time, trust, and hard work. I am proud of this team because the respect these players have for one another is reflected in their performance.
The final is anticipated to be another edge-of-the-seat thriller. With both teams matched in strategy, balance, and confidence, the championship will likely be decided by which side can hold its nerve during the critical moments to lift the coveted PKL Season 12 trophy.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
