Lucknow Lions and Kashi Kings advance to UPKL Season 2 final after gripping semi-finals

The semi-finals of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 delivered two high-quality contests on Saturday, as Lucknow Lions and Kashi Kings secured their places in the championship final following contrasting but equally compelling victories at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

In the first semi-final, Lucknow Lions produced a commanding performance to defeat Brij Stars 48–23. The match began cautiously, with Brij Stars—known for their defensive discipline and having beaten Lucknow earlier in the league—looking to keep the contest tight. Lucknow absorbed the early pressure before taking control midway through the first half. Shivam Chaudhary ignited the momentum with multi-point raids, while the Lions’ defence followed up by eliminating the final Brij raider, helping Lucknow establish a 13-point lead at halftime.

Lucknow Lions and Kashi Kings advance to UPKL Season 2 final after gripping semi-finals

The Lions maintained their intensity after the break, inflicting an early all-out to stretch the margin further. Brij Stars attempted to mount a comeback, but a pivotal moment arrived when Lucknow were left with a single player on court. Shivam Chaudhary responded with a decisive super raid, collecting multiple points and ensuring Brij Stars were unable to regain momentum. Lucknow closed out the match with authority to book their place in the final.

The second semi-final saw Kashi Kings edge Sangam Challengers 33–31 in a tightly contested encounter that went down to the final moments. Both sides prioritised defensive solidity in the opening exchanges, with neither team willing to concede easy points. Kashi Kings gradually asserted control through disciplined defence and inflicted an all-out late in the first half, allowing them to head into the interval with a seven-point advantage.

Sangam Challengers raised the tempo in the second half and forced an all-out to cut the deficit to two points, setting up a tense finish. The closing minutes saw both teams trade raids under pressure, with Kashi briefly extending their lead before Sangam closed the gap to a single point. In the decisive final raid, Kashi Kings held their nerve defensively to secure a narrow win and advance to the final.

With these results, Lucknow Lions and Kashi Kings will face off in the UPKL Season 2 final, bringing together two of the league’s most consistent and composed teams. After a season marked by intense competition and standout performances, the championship clash promises a fitting conclusion to UPKL Season 2.

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