ANI
25 Jan 2026, 23:04 GMT+10
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 25 (ANI): The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) got underway with Sonipat Stars securing a 37-31 victory over Gurugram Gurus in the opening match of the league phase at the Sports University of Haryana, according to a release.
Sonipat Stars made a strong start, with ace raider Ayan Lochab taking on the bulk of the raids and guiding his team to a 10-8 lead at the first strategic time-out.
Gurugram Gurus responded immediately after the break, capitalising on Sonipat being reduced to two men and then a single player. Neeraj Narwal stepped up for Gurugram with crucial defensive efforts and a vital raid to revive teammates, helping Gurugram briefly gain momentum. Sonipat, however, regrouped well to close the first half with a narrow 17-15 advantage.
The second half opened cautiously, with neither side scoring on their opening raids. A series of do-or-die raids followed, as defences dominated proceedings.
The turning point came when Ayan Lochab, on a do-or-die raid, combined a successful raid with a crucial tackle, reducing Gurugram to one man and soon forcing an all-out. With nine minutes remaining before the second strategic time-out, Sonipat extended its lead to 28-21.
Post the strategic break, Gurugram Gurus showed resilience, narrowing an eight-point deficit down to just two in the closing minutes. Sonipat Stars, however, held their composure, executing a decisive super tackle in the final minute before adding two points in the last raid to seal the match 37-31.
Ayan Lochab was named Tonight's Raider, while Nitin Rawal of Gurugram Gurus earned Tonight's Defender honours. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of The UK News news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to The UK News.
More InformationSEOUL, South Korea: Plans by Hyundai Motor to introduce humanoid robots into its factories have sparked a warning from its powerful...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Growing demand for gold as a hedge against policy and geopolitical risks has prompted a more bullish outlook...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: As Hollywood's biggest streaming rivals circle Warner Bros Discovery, the bidding battle is already delivering...
DUBLIN, Ireland: In a move it believed was the right step forward, Barclays Bank has initiated plans to relocate its European headquarters...
NEW DELHI, India: India signed a US$3 billion deal this week to purchase liquefied natural gas from the United Arab Emirates, making...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock indexes delivered a mixed performance Friday to close out the trading week, with the Dow Jones Industrial...
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 25 (ANI): The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) got underway with Sonipat Stars securing a 37-31 victory...
Kochi (Kerala) [India], January 25 (ANI): Kerala Blasters FC are pleased to announce the signing of Indian midfielder Rowllin Borges,...
New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Pamela Conti as the head coach of the Indian...
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 25 (ANI): The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) continues its inaugural season with an action-packed...
(260125) -- VILA REAL, Jan. 25, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga Match between Villarreal and...
(260125) -- CASTELLON, Jan. 25, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Patricia Guijarro (L) of Barcelona competes for the ball with Naomie Feller of Real...
