U Mumba opens PKL Season 12 with thrilling tie-breaker victory

U Mumba opened their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 campaign with a dramatic 6-5 win over Gujarat Giants in a tie-breaker, showcasing strong unity and confidence heading into the rest of the season

Hyderabad: U Mumba began their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 campaign with an exhilarating victory, defeating Gujarat Giants 6-5 in a tie-breaker after the scores were level at 29-29 at full-time. The match, held at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, was the second in PKL history to go to a tie-breaker in just three matches this season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final raid.

Skipper Sunil Kumar Praises Tie-Breaker Format

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U Mumba’s captain Sunil Kumar praised the tie-breaker format, calling it an exciting and welcome addition to the game. Speaking after the match, he shared:
“Tie-breakers are about keeping your cool. You have to trust your instincts and use your brain in those crunch situations. That calmness is what helped us today.”

Tense Tie-Breaker Battle

A key moment came in the tie-breaker, where Sunil Kumar faced off against Gujarat Giants’ star defender Mohammadreza Shadloui. Both players showcased their aggression and skill on the mat in a tense, high-stakes battle. Reflecting on the contest, Sunil said:
“That was an intense contest. He tried to force a point on me, but experience makes the difference in such situations. Matches like these show how small margins decide everything.”

Building Momentum for the Season

Sunil also emphasized the significance of such a hard-fought opening win, stating:
“Winning the opening match in a tie-breaker builds a lot of belief. It shows the strength and unity of our squad and gives us confidence going into the long season ahead. The league is only beginning, but this win sets the right tone for us.”