Kabaddi has become a global sport and people are interested to watch Kabaddi like all other sports. This is also because of the India’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Grit, strategy, and cooperation have defined PKL from its 2014 debut to its 2024 title. Let’s examine the PKL winners, their incredible performances, and the league’s progress.
The Evolution of PKL: A Milestone Journey
From Inception to Glory
The 2014 Pro Kabaddi League gave kabaddi a competitive edge. Inspired by the IPL, PKL adopted a franchise format, and fans loved its mix of history and innovation.
The PKL Effect
PKL has introduced millions to kabaddi, creating national heroes and globalizing the sport. Kabaddi’s fitness and strategy have improved thanks to the league, making it a modern sport.
PKL Champions: A Season-Wise Breakdown
2014: Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Final Match: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs. U Mumba
- Score: 35–24
- Highlight: Jaipur Pink Panthers, led by captain Navneet Gautam, claimed the first PKL title, showcasing a blend of experience and innovation.
2015: U Mumba
- Final Match: U Mumba vs. Bengaluru Bulls
- Score: 36–30
- Highlight: After narrowly losing the inaugural final, U Mumba, captained by Anup Kumar, dominated the second season to lift the trophy.
2016 (January): Patna Pirates
- Final Match: Patna Pirates vs. U Mumba
- Score: 31–28
- Highlight: Under the leadership of Sandeep Narwal, Patna Pirates clinched their maiden title in a nail-biting finish.
2016 (June): Patna Pirates
- Final Match: Patna Pirates vs. Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Score: 37–29
- Highlight: Patna Pirates became the first team to win consecutive PKL titles, solidifying their dominance.
2017: Patna Pirates
- Final Match: Patna Pirates vs. Gujarat Fortune Giants
- Score: 55–38
- Highlight: With their third consecutive title, Patna Pirates, powered by Pardeep Narwal, set an unbreakable record.
2018: Bengaluru Bulls
- Final Match: Bengaluru Bulls vs. Gujarat Fortune Giants
- Score: 38–33
- Highlight: Led by Rohit Kumar, Bengaluru Bulls captured their first PKL title after a stellar performance.
2019: Bengal Warriors
- Final Match: Bengal Warriors vs. Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Score: 39–34
- Highlight: Bengal Warriors claimed their maiden title, with captain Maninder Singh leading from the front.
2021: Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Final Match: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs. Patna Pirates
- Score: 37–36
- Highlight: After the 2020 season was canceled, Dabang Delhi K.C. secured their first championship under Joginder Narwal’s leadership.
2022: Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Final Match: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs. Puneri Paltan
- Score: 33–29
- Highlight: Jaipur Pink Panthers reclaimed their throne, becoming two-time champions.
2023: Puneri Paltan
- Final Match: Puneri Paltan vs. Haryana Steelers
- Score: 28–25
- Highlight: Puneri Paltan made history by securing their first title, with Aslam Inamdar shining as captain.
2024: [To Be Updated Once Concluded]
With the season currently underway, fans eagerly await the crowning of the 2024 champions.
The Key Players Behind Championship Wins
Iconic Captains
- Anup Kumar masterminded the 2015 emergence of U Mumba.
- Pardeep Narwal (Patna Pirates): The “Dubki King” He helped Patna win three straight titles.
- The Bengal Warriors won their first title under Maninder Singh.
Game-Changing Raiders
- Pawan Sehrawat (Bengaluru Bulls): His speed and agility won Bengaluru their first title in 2018.
- In 2021, Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi K.C.) won the title with his clutch plays.
The Most Memorable PKL Finals
U Mumba vs. Patna Pirates, January 2016.
The 2016 PKL final between Patna Pirates and U Mumba was a thrilling match that displayed both teams’ strategic skills. Under charismatic skipper Anup Kumar, U Mumba played with their usual poise. Patna’s defense, led by Fazel Atrachali and Manpreet Singh, was outstanding. Patna’s defenders neutralized U Mumba’s premier raiders, especially Rishank Devadiga. Rohit Kumar scored key raiding points for Patna. Patna’s reign in the league began when the Pirates won their first PKL title with a slim 31-28 margin.
2017. Patna Pirates vs. Gujarat Fortune Giants
Kabaddi at its best was played in the 2017 final between Patna Pirates and debutants Gujarat Fortune Giants. The match was defined by Pardeep Narwal’s raiding mastery. Pardeep, known as the “Dubki King,” broke records by scoring 19 raid points, shocking Gujarat’s tough defense. Gujarat relied on Parvesh Bhainswal and Sunil Kumar. Patna became the first team to win back-to-back. Fans remember this final for its individual and team brilliance.
Ten Years of Success
The Pro Kabaddi League has produced great moments, from Jaipur Pink Panthers’ debut win to Patna Pirates’ supremacy, throughout ten seasons. The league champions have shown skill, teamwork, and determination. PKL inspires millions worldwide by celebrating India’s national sport each season. As we anticipate future champions, one thing is certain: PKL will continue to captivate fans for years.
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