Following 132 matches in 60 consecutive matchdays, the league stage of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 8 has drawn to a close. The league now enters the playoffs stage of the tournament with top 6 six teams – Patna Pirates, Dabang Delhi K.C, U.P Yoddha, Gujarat Giants, Bengaluru Bulls and Puneri Paltan – battling it out to lift the coveted PKL trophy. With plenty of twists and turns, PKL Season 8 witnessed one of the most competitive seasons ever to the extent that it took till the last matchday of the League stages to determine the Top 6 teams that qualified for the Playoffs. The thrilling competition is certain to continue with all remaining matches being knockout fixtures.
The playoffs are set to take stage on February 21st & February 23rd, and the grand finale will take centre stage on February 25th.
Mashal Sports, organisers of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League, have ensured the continuity & completion of the league with matches on a daily basis without any break. This, inside the confines of a bio secure bubble in Bangalore comprising of over 900+ individuals across players, coaches, teams & league staff. The health & safety of all stakeholders was the league’s highest priority from day 1. Together with the support of the 12 franchises, the League has worked collectively to ensure top-notch quality on the mat, inside the bio-bubble that was created in complete compliance with relevant official guidelines.
Speaking about the PKL Playoffs, Prashant Kumar Rai, captain, Patna Pirates said, “It gives us a lot of joy that we have finished on top of the league table going into the final week of the season. It shows the amount of effort the team has made to make it this far in the competition. We are excited to be part of the Playoffs and guarantee to our fans that are making the necessary preparations to give our best on the mat.”
Meanwhile, Dabang Delhi KC's skipper Joginder Narwal looks to carry momentum and be on top form for the playoffs and the finals.
“It feels amazing to be part of the top 6, all the strategies and planning that we made daily throughout the season has really paid off. Every player in the squad has contributed to our success in this competition so far with young and experienced players turning up many times in key moments. We are aiming to carry this momentum and be on top form for the playoffs and the finals,” Joginder said.
UP Yoddha's captain Nitesh Kumar talked about the playoff journey which was full of ups and down and assured that they are working hard for the playoff week and the finals.
“Our road to the Playoffs has been full of ups and downs. We didn’t have the best start to the season but together as a team, we were able to manage our problems and we came back strong in the second half. The team and coaching staff have worked really hard, and we will continue to do so going into the Playoffs week and the finals,” Nitesh said.
On Monday (February 21), Puneri Paltan will lock horns with UP Yoddha while Gujarat Giants will take on Bengaluru Bulls. The winners of the respective matches will take on Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi KC respectively on Wednesday (February 23). Further, the summit clash will be on Friday (February 25) for the PKL coveted title.
