The Haryana Steelers claimed their first-ever Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title, defeating the Patna Pirates 32-23 in the final of the 11th season held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune, on December 29. The victory marked a historic moment for the Steelers, who were runners-up in the previous season after losing to Puneri Paltan.
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Dominant Second-Half Performance
The final was tightly contested in the first half, with the Steelers leading 15-12. However, they dominated the second half, delivering a stellar combination of attack and defense. They inflicted a crucial all-out to take an eight-point lead at 27-19, effectively sealing the game. The Pirates struggled to respond to the Steelers’ relentless performance.
Star Performers
- Mohammadreza Shadloui and Shivam Patre were standout players for the Steelers, both securing High 5s and playing pivotal roles in the victory.
- For the Pirates, Gurdeep Singh also achieved a High 5 and Star Raider reached his 300th raid point of the season, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Steelers’ brilliance.
Haryana Steelers Clinch Maiden Pro Kabaddi League Title, Beat Patna Pirates in PKL 11 Final.Manpreet Singh’s Redemption
The title win was particularly significant for Manpreet Singh, the Steelers’ coach. A former PKL champion as a player, Manpreet had suffered heartbreaks in the past, losing finals as a coach in seasons 5, 6, and 10. This victory marked his first PKL title as a coach, cementing his legacy in the league.
Patna Pirates’ Legacy
The Patna Pirates, the most successful team in PKL history with three consecutive titles (seasons 3, 4, and 5), fell short in the final for only the second time. Their previous final defeat came against Dabang Delhi K.C. in season 8.
Starting 7 Lineups
- Haryana Steelers: Shivam Patre, Vinay, Jaideep, Rahul, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Sanjay, Naveen.
- Patna Pirates: Ankit, Devank, Ayan, Deepak, Navdeep, Gurdeep, Shubham Shinde.
The Steelers’ triumph ended their long wait for glory, signaling a new era for the team in PKL history.