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Kabaddi – The Rohtak Royals secured their place in the final of the inaugural Kabaddi Champions League after registering a hard-fought 43-36 win in the second semi-final at the Sports University of Haryana in Sonepat. The contest, marked by swift raids and intense defensive battles, saw Rohtak hold their nerve in the closing minutes to seal the result.

Vijay Malik Leads From the Front

Vijay Malik delivered when it mattered most, finishing as the highest scorer for the Royals with 12 points. His composure in the final stretch ensured the team stayed clear of danger as their opponents attempted a late comeback. Rakesh Singroha also played a central role, collecting 11 valuable points through a mix of sharp raids and alert mat awareness.

Milan Dahiya and Sandeep contributed four points each, with Sandeep earning the Best Defender of the Match award for his timely tackles. Their combined effort reflected a balanced performance across departments, with both raiders and defenders stepping up at crucial moments.

Early Momentum and Tactical Discipline

Rohtak set the tone from the opening whistle by claiming an early tackle in the first minute. The match quickly settled into a tight exchange of points, and by the seventh minute, Panipat had edged ahead 5-4. However, the Royals’ defensive unit regrouped, helping the side regain control and build a slender advantage.

By the 10th minute, Rohtak were leading 7-5. Moments later, Rakesh Singroha produced the first Super Raid of the encounter, taking down three defenders in a single move and pushing the lead further. That surge shifted the momentum firmly in Rohtak’s favour. The team followed it up with the first All-Out of the match in the 15th minute, extending their cushion to 16-10.

First-Half Control and Consistency

The Royals maintained steady pressure through coordinated teamwork. Milan Dahiya added crucial points to keep Panipat on the defensive. As the first half concluded, Rohtak held a 21-15 advantage, with Rakesh emerging as the standout performer of the half with seven points.

The disciplined structure of the Royals’ play was evident, with defenders backing up raiders and limiting easy opportunities for their rivals. The balance between aggression and caution allowed them to carry confidence into the second half.

Panthers Attempt a Comeback

Rohtak resumed strongly after the interval, picking up consecutive points. Panipat, however, found renewed energy through Meetu, who executed a Super Raid that narrowed the gap to four points at 23-19 in the 24th minute. The brief revival added tension to the contest, but Rohtak responded by tightening their defence and slowing the tempo.

A second All-Out inflicted by the Royals significantly strengthened their position, taking the score to 35-26 with eight minutes left. At that stage, the match appeared to be slipping away from Panipat.

Late Drama Before Final Push

Despite trailing, Panipat refused to concede easily. A series of quick raids and defensive errors from Rohtak trimmed the margin to six points with three minutes remaining. Further mistakes brought the difference down to just four, raising the possibility of a dramatic turnaround.

With the pressure mounting, Vijay Malik stepped forward once again. His decisive raid in the final moments ensured Rohtak avoided an All-Out and restored breathing space. The Royals managed the closing exchanges efficiently to confirm their victory and book a spot in the championship clash.

Final Showdown Awaits

Owned by Adroit Sports LLP, the Rohtak-based franchise will now meet Bhiwani Bulls in the tournament final. The Bulls advanced after defeating Hisar Heroes in the first semi-final. The upcoming title match is expected to draw significant attention as two strong sides prepare to compete for the inaugural crown.

Rohtak Royals also continue to receive backing from partners including ixigo, John Players, Campus Activewear, Knack Pro Sports and MuscleBlaze, who support the team across travel, apparel, footwear, hydration and nutrition categories.