Dabang Delhi K.C. emerged victorious over Puneri Paltan with a score of 31–28 in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 final, clinching their second championship title following their earlier triumph in Season 8. The intense showdown took place at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, where the home team showcased their resilience and skill in front of their enthusiastic supporters. This win not only secured Delhi’s place among the elite but also marked them as the first home team since Season 2’s U Mumba to claim the championship on their own turf. Fazel Atrachali, with this victory, solidified his position as the most successful foreign player in PKL history, adding another accolade to his remarkable career.
The match kicked off with Delhi seizing an early lead, with Neeraj Narwal’s two-point raid and successful tackle setting the tone. Ajinkya Pawar’s ALL OUT maneuver extended Delhi’s lead by six points in the initial stages. Narwal continued to shine by executing a Super Raid that propelled Delhi to an eight-point lead at halftime (20–14).
As the game progressed, Ashu Malik’s crucial scoring and Anurag’s timely Super Tackle bolstered Delhi’s position in the final quarter, ensuring their edge over the opponents.
For Puneri Paltan, Aditya Shinde spearheaded the team with a Super 10, orchestrating a spirited comeback in the latter part of the game. Abinesh Nadarajan showcased stellar defense with 4 tackle points and 3 Super Tackles, while Gaurav Khatri and Mohd Amaan provided crucial support, keeping the match fiercely competitive till the end.
Delhi’s early strategy emphasized aggressive raiding and solid defense, seizing opportunities with Narwal’s impactful Super Raid and Pawar’s pivotal ALL OUT move. Under the guidance of coach Joginder Narwal, the team made strategic adjustments, maintaining pressure and disrupting Pune’s rhythm with defensive rotations.
Puneri Paltan regrouped in the second half by fortifying their defense and relying on Shinde’s raids. Gurdeep’s tackles and Shinde’s late ALL OUT narrowed Delhi’s lead to a single point towards the conclusion. Despite the pressure, Delhi remained composed, with a crucial tackle by Fazel Atrachali on Shinde securing their three-point victory. The balance between raiding and defense exhibited by both sides underscored their tactical prowess.
At halftime, Delhi led with a score of 20–14, showcasing the effectiveness of their early offensive tactics. Noteworthy performances by Narwal with 8 points, Pawar with 6 points, and Anurag’s Super Tackle were countered by Pune’s late surge led by Shinde’s Super 10. Nadarajan’s defensive prowess kept Pune in the game, but Delhi’s consistency in critical moments proved decisive.
The title triumph held special significance for Joginder Narwal, who became the first individual to clinch the PKL title both as a player and as a coach.