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The ongoing 67th Senior National Kabaddi Championship is currently taking place in Jaipur's Poornima University in Rajasthan from 2nd March 2020 till 6th March 2020. The mega-event features the country's top men's and women's kabaddi players representing their states or employers in the quest to earn national honours in the sport.
The likes of Pawan Sehrawat (Indian Railways), Pardeep Narwal (Haryana), Naveen Kumar Goyat (Services), and Deepak Hooda (Rajasthan) have carried the momentum for their respective sides. On the other hand, a lot of newcomers are showcasing their talent for a chance to gain future opportunities in the sport and aim to fetch a contract in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League.
A total of 31 teams across India in the men's division are competing in the nation's premier inter-state competition this year, as only one team will emerge as champions of the 67th edition in the summit clash, which will take on 6th March 2020. Certain sides seem well-balanced on paper and are the favourites to win the prestigious tournament.
Let's take a look at the three probable teams which can win the 67th Senior National Kabaddi Championship.
Also Checkout: 67th Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2020 Schedule
#3 Uttar Pradesh
The winners of the 62nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship - Uttar Pradesh have named a star-studded squad for this edition after they were knocked out early last year. Rahul Chaudhari has been picked to lead the side as the captain.
Despite losing Nitin Tomar to the Services board yet again, Uttar Pradesh have acquired a raiding-dominated unit comprising of Rohit Baliyan, Abhishek Singh, Gulveer Singh, and Azad Singh in the mix. While Rahul's form is questionable, such raiders can lead the attack on their own and score raid points consistently for the side.
Shrikant Tewatia, who switched for the winning team - North Eastern Railways in the 69th All India Inter-Railways Kabaddi tournament played a vital role in their defence with a couple of High 5s in that tournament. He gained a call-up to the national squad, while Uttar Pradesh also have a reliable cover duo of Harendra Kumar and Ashu Singh in the mix.
All-rounder Mohit Baliyan has been picked to provide a much-needed balance in the squad, while Aniruddha Pandey has also been recalled to the side. Shiva and Rahul Nain are a few names aiming to display their skills and gain attraction for the next edition of PKL.
With the plethora of experienced raiders along with a young defensive unit, Uttar Pradesh could surprisingly win the title this time.
Squad: Rahul Chaudhari (C), Rohit Baliyan, Shrikant Tewatia, Abhishek Singh, Mohit Baliyan, Harendra Kumar, Ashu Singh, Azad Singh, Gulveer Singh, Shiva, Aniruddha Pandey, and Rahul Nain
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#2 Services
Perhaps one of the strongest sides in the Senior Nationals every year - Services board are known for producing the best players in the sport. Their players, coached by former Indian player Ram Meher Singh, are known for their offensive and defensive efficiency.
The Services' board, however, opted to go on a complete revamp this year as they dropped their skipper Monu Goyat, along with Manjeet Dahiya, Jaideep, and GB More from the side. Former Services' raider Rohit Kumar was named as the captain of the team.
Naveen Kumar Goyat, who starred in the seventh edition of the Pro Kabaddi League with his record-breaking 21-consecutive Super-10s, is currently leading the raiding department of his side with the support coming in from Nitin Tomar, Sachin Gulia, and Sahil. Services team has shown consistency year after year, and look promising in the offense once again.
While the rock-solid cover duo of Surjeet Singh and Mahender Singh have earned their positions back in the side, the defensive talisman Nitesh Kumar is leading the defensive unit from the right corner position. Assisting him from the other end is Sombir Gulia, who has expressed his capability continuously in the Pro Kabaddi League with his terrific performances.
However, the return of Sandeep Kandola after three long years in the mix has been a talking point for the side as he was a part of the winning Indian Air Force team in the Inter-Services Championship. His return to the fold could likely pave way for a contract in the Pro Kabaddi League.
There is no doubt that Services have the best players in their lineup this time, and with a strong balance in the offensive and defensive departments, they are strong contenders to win the competition.
Squad: Rohit Kumar (C), Naveen Kumar, Ajeet, Sourav Gulia, Surjeet Singh, Nitesh Kumar, Mahender Singh, Sombir Gulia, Nitin Tomar, Sachin Narwal, Sahil, and Sandeep.
#1 Indian Railways
Defending champions, Indian Railways opted to stick with the same squad with just a single change in their quest to make it two in a row this year. While the versatile veteran Dharmaraj Cheralathan led the side as their skipper last year, Pawan Sehrawat has been named as the captain of the side this time.
Sehrawat, who has made headlines in the past two seasons of the Pro Kabaddi, has been in sensational form of late. The likes of Shrikant Jadhav, Vikas Kandola, and Deepak Narwal are yet again assisting in the offence for the side, which has a plethora of raiders to pick from.
Veteran defender Dharmaraj Cheralathan has been with the Railways' squad for years now, while the duo of Ravinder Pahal and Sandeep Dhull have been magnificent in the past and will hold vital importance for the side.
The cover duo of Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal have been guarding the cover positions of the team with the experienced Ravi Kumar warming the benches as an able substitute. The only notable change is the inclusion of left corner defender Vijender Singh as a replacement for Selvamani K.
Without a doubt, the Indian Railways look favourites to win the title this year, as they have a perfect mix of youth and experience in their lineup. It won't be a surprise if the defending champions regain their title yet again in the ongoing 67th Senior Nationals.
Squad: Pawan Sehrawat (C), Dharmaraj Cheralathan, Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Rohit Gulia, Ravinder Pahal, Shrikant Jadhav, Sandeep Dhull, Ravi Kumar, Deepak Narwal, Vikas Kandola, and Vijender Singh
