Sumit Sangwan’s All-Round Brilliance Powers UP Yoddhas to 45-28 Win Over Tamil Thalaivas, Snapping 3-Match Losing Streak in Style
Sumit Sangwan starred in an all-round show as UP Yoddhas crushed Tamil Thalaivas 45-28, ending a 3-match losing streak and returning to winning ways in Pro Kabaddi 2025
UP Yoddhas snapped their four-game losing streak with an authoritative 39-22 win against Tamil Thalaivas at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on Monday. Sumit Sangwan led the way with a High Five, while defenders Mahender Singh and Ashu Singh racked up four tackles each.
On a night when Arjun Deshwal struggled with only two points, Nitesh Kumar was the lone warrior for Tamil Thalaivas, registering seven tackle points for his side.
It was a neck-and-neck start with neither team giving away an inch in this engaging encounter. Nitesh Kumar made his presence felt early on for Tamil Thalaivas, with Narender Kandola also contributing on both ends of the mat. For UP Yoddhas, Gagan Gowda got their first point, while Bhavani Rajput opened his account with a two-point raid.
With Arjun Deshwal getting off to a sedate start, it was Narender Kandola who kept the scoreboard ticking for Tamil Thalaivas. Ashu Singh kept UP Yoddhas at level terms, registering their first tackle point in the game, which was soon followed by another tackle from Mahender Singh.
A multi-point raid from Shivam Chaudhary gave UP Yoddhas some momentum as they opened up a two-point advantage. With their defence tightening the screws, they further extended their lead to five points despite Nitesh Kumar notching up a High Five for Tamil Thalaivas, who only had two raid points in the first half. At the end of a hard-fought first half, UP Yoddhas held a 15-10 lead.
They further asserted their dominance early in the second half, inflicting an ALL OUT on Tamil Thalaivas courtesy a tackle from Ashu Singh. Bhavani Rajput piled on the misery with Gagan Gowda also chipping in, but it was the UP Yoddhas defence that was on a roll.
With the defenders standing tall, it didn’t take UP Yoddhas long to register another ALL OUT with Ashu Singh doing the honours once again. He had four tackle points, as did Sumit Sangwan, while Mahender Singh also had three tackles, giving their team a commanding seventeen-point lead.
Tamil Thalaivas’ offensive struggles left them to play catch up for the remainder of the contest, allowing their opponents to take control. Sumit Sangwan completed his High Five for UP Yoddhas, eventually rounding up a dominant 39-22 victory on the night.
The UP Yoddhas finally roared back to winning ways in the Pro Kabaddi League 2025, defeating the Tamil Thalaivas with a commanding 45-28 scoreline. At the heart of this victory was Sumit Sangwan, who delivered a spectacular all-round performance, excelling both in defense and raids. The win not only halted the Yoddhas’ 3-match losing streak but also injected fresh confidence into their playoff ambitions.
The match, held at a packed indoor stadium, saw the Yoddhas display renewed energy and tactical sharpness. Right from the whistle, the team pressed hard, with their defense led by Sangwan and captain Pardeep Narwal ensuring the Thalaivas never settled into rhythm.
In the first 10 minutes, UP Yoddhas inflicted the first all-out, racing ahead to a 15-8 lead.
The Thalaivas attempted a comeback through Ajinkya Pawar’s raiding efforts, but the Yoddhas’ defensive wall proved too strong.
By halftime, UP Yoddhas were cruising with a 24-15 advantage, a cushion they never surrendered.
The biggest highlight of the night was undoubtedly Sumit Sangwan’s all-round heroics. Traditionally known for his defensive prowess, Sangwan showcased versatility by contributing in raids as well.
Defensive strength: Sangwan executed 6 tackle points, with ankle holds and thigh grabs that left Tamil raiders frustrated.
Attacking flair: He also picked up 4 raid points, surprising the opposition with his quick dashes.
Leadership: His energy on the mat lifted the entire squad, making him the undisputed game-changer.
Fans and experts alike hailed this as one of the finest all-round performances of the season.
For the Tamil Thalaivas, the night turned into a nightmare. Their raiding unit, which had shown promise earlier in the season, faltered under relentless pressure.
Ajinkya Pawar managed a decent 9 points but lacked consistent support.
Narender and other raiders were kept quiet by the Yoddhas’ high-line defense.
Defensive errors proved costly as the Thalaivas conceded multiple super raids and failed to recover momentum.
By the final quarter, fatigue and frustration crept in, allowing the Yoddhas to widen the margin and seal a 17-point victory.
Early All-Out (10th minute) – Yoddhas’ aggressive defense pushed the Thalaivas onto the back foot immediately.
Sangwan’s Super Tackle – A crucial moment that denied the Thalaivas a comeback chance in the first half.
Pardeep Narwal’s 7-Point Burst – The star raider chipped in at the right time, ensuring the team’s dominance continued.
Sumit Sangwan (UP Yoddhas): “We wanted to make a statement after our losing streak. Tonight was about team effort, and I’m glad my all-round performance could contribute.”
Coach of UP Yoddhas: “This win was much-needed. The boys stuck to the plan, especially in defense, and we hope to build momentum from here.”
Tamil Thalaivas captain: “We made too many errors. Credit to the Yoddhas, they were the better team tonight.”
