Defensive strategies paying off, says UP Yoddhas captain Sumit Sangwan

In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, UP Yoddhas delivered an outstanding performance against Tamil Thalaivas at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday. The match highlighted the exceptional contributions of Bhavani Rajput, who achieved a Super 10, and Hitesh, who secured six tackle points through his defensive prowess.

Assistant Coach Upendra Malik was effusive in his praise of the team's display. "This victory shows our true potential," he stated. "Bhavani was exceptional today. Not only did he score crucial points for the team, but his energy and confidence also inspired everyone else on the mat." Malik highlighted a key moment in the match, noting that "The turning point came when Keshav secured those two vital points," which helped the team extend their lead and maintain control.

The defensive unit, spearheaded by captain Sumit, proved to be instrumental in securing the victory. Sumit shared his insights on the team's performance, stating, "Our defence set the tone from the start and remained intense throughout the game. We've been working on our defensive strategies and it's paying off." He emphasized that the team's coordination was "a result of continuous improvement over the last few matches."

A standout performance came from Hitesh, who demonstrated remarkable efficiency with 6 successful tackles out of 7 attempts. This defensive masterclass, combined with aggressive raiding, effectively neutralized the Tamil Thalaivas' offensive efforts.

Malik emphasized the collaborative nature of the victory, stating, "It wasn't just one individual; it was a complete team performance. Everyone, from the raiders to the defenders, worked in unison." He expressed confidence in the team's direction, adding, "This is the kind of display that shows we are ready to take on the challenges ahead."

The UP Yoddhas will look to maintain this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge against the Patna Pirates. The team's comprehensive victory serves as a strong foundation for their upcoming matches in the tournament.

Catch all the LIVE action from Pro Kabaddi Season 11 on the Star Sports Network and on Disney+ hotstar.