In a nail-biting culmination to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 season, the Puneri Paltan etched their name in history by claiming their inaugural championship title, overcoming the formidable Haryana Steelers in an exhilarating finale. The electrifying contest unfolded at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on March 1, where the Puneri Paltan displayed resilience and skill to secure a hard-fought 28-25 victory.
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From the onset, the Puneri Paltan showcased their defensive prowess, swiftly gaining the upper hand by thwarting the raiding attempts of the Haryana Steelers' Shivam Patare and Vinay. However, the Steelers retaliated, with Ankit's tackle on Mohit Goyat marking their entry onto the scoreboard, injecting a surge of confidence into their gameplay.
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The first half witnessed a closely contested battle, with the Haryana Steelers effectively countering the Puneri Paltan's raids. Yet, the tide turned dramatically when Pankaj Mohite executed a spectacular four-point SUPER RAID, propelling the Puneri Paltan into a commanding lead. Despite Ashish's late raid for the Steelers, the score stood at 13-10 in favour of the Puneri Paltan as the teams entered the pivotal second half.
Early in the latter half, the Puneri Paltan dealt a decisive blow with a crucial ALL OUT, courtesy of Goyat's strategic raiding tactics, further extending their advantage on the scoreboard. However, the resilient Haryana Steelers refused to back down, mounting a spirited comeback as their raiders relentlessly pursued bonus points to narrow the deficit.
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In the climax of the grand finale, Mohite emerged as the game-changer for the Puneri Paltan, showcasing unmatched skill and determination to counter the Steelers' formidable defense. Despite Siddharth Desai's valiant efforts to reignite hope for the Steelers, the Puneri Paltan remained steadfast, ultimately sealing their maiden PKL trophy with a display of unwavering resolve and exceptional teamwork.
Puneri Paltan's stellar season
The triumph of the Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League's landmark season not only cements their status as champions but also underscores their journey of perseverance and excellence throughout the competition. Puneri Paltan topped the points table with 96 points to their name. They won 17, lost two whereas two ended in a draw.
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List of awards -
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- Gamechanger of the final- Gaurav Khatri
- Moment of the final- Pankaj Mohite
- Best raider of season 10- Ashu Malik
- Best defender of season 10- Mohammadreza Shadloui
- New young player of season- Yogesh
- Most valuable player of the tournament- Aslam Inamdar
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