Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayawada
Vijayawada, Aug 20: A dramatic sixth day at the Yuva Andhra Kabaddi Championship 2025 saw momentum shift across both pools, as Amravati Crushers suffered their first loss of the season, Vizianagaram Ninjas reclaimed the top of Pool A, and Vizag Commandos threw their hat firmly into the title race with two crucial wins at the Chennupati Ramakotaiah Municipal Corporation Indoor Stadium.
Amravati Crushers began the day by continuing their unbeaten streak with a 46-38 win over Kakinada Kraken. Potla Gopi Chand was the star of the show with 16 raid points, while Ankalu Jampana completed a High 5, receiving strong support from teammates on both ends of the mat. For the Kraken, P Ganga Babu’s 10 raid points and Kaligula Srinivas’s 6 tackle points weren’t enough to close the gap.
In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Vizag Commandos edged past Kurnool Knights 41-38 in a game that turned in the final four minutes. Despite trailing for most of the contest, Vizag mounted a thrilling comeback led by Super 10 performances from Sivaganesh Reddy and Nolli Theja, and a resolute defensive effort. For the Knights, Nakka Yugandhar also bagged a Super 10, but the late-game collapse proved costly.
Vizianagaram Ninjas followed that with a tense 32-30 win over Krishna Defenders. Krishna held the lead for the majority of the match, but a late all-out helped the Ninjas swing the game in their favor. BP Venkata Kumar led the charge with a 9-point all-round performance, while Krishna’s G Pavan Kumar, coming off the bench, posted a Super 10 that kept his team in contention till the end.
Tirupati Raiders then turned in one of their strongest performances of the tournament, overpowering Bhimavaram Guardians 50-38. G. Babi Naik led the scoring with a dominant 20-point haul, as Tirupati’s well-rounded team effort overwhelmed the Guardians. Palaka Manikanta and Venkata Durga Rao scored 15 and 14 points respectively for Bhimavaram, but lacked the team support to stay competitive.
The final match of the day — a rescheduled opener — saw Vizag Commandos hand Amravati Crushers their first defeat of the season in a statement 45-39 win. Durga Prasad delivered a brilliant all-round performance with 11 points, while Sivaganesh Reddy maintained his fine form with another Super 10. Despite strong efforts from Kolamgari Rambabu (14 points) and Muddada Naresh (11 points), the Crushers were finally brought down, though they remain top of Pool B.
With the day’s results, Vizianagaram Ninjas now lead Pool A with 28 points, followed by Kurnool Knights (24), Bhimavaram Guardians (16), and Kakinada Kraken (9). In Pool B, Amravati Crushers continue to top the table with 36 points, but Vizag Commandos are closing in fast with 28 points. Tirupati Raiders (14) and Krishna Defenders (6) remain in the chase, but face an uphill task as the competition intensifies.
As the championship moves closer to its knockout stage, the tension rises with every raid, tackle, and point. The road to the Telugu Kabaddi League is heating up in Vijayawada.