Haryana bag twin gold medals in Kabaddi 

Khel Today Bureau

Diu: Haryana bagged gold in the men’s and women’s kabaddi events at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 here on Friday morning. The kabaddi giants had produced a similar feat at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar as well earlier this month. Maharashtra won bronze in both categories.

In the men’s final on the Ghoghla Beach here, captain Monu Hooda and his team completely dominated Rajasthan to bag top honours with a final scoreline of 48-29. Haryana, who got off to a stunning start, led 33-11 at the end of first half.

Hooda, who has played for two seasons with the Haryana Steelers at Pro Kabaddi, is a trainee of SAI Sonepat. Playing at the KIBG, he mentioned, “There are technical differences between playing here and on the mat. Every raid here is a do or die raid and we have to stay inside only – we can’t cross the ropes,” the 23-year-old told SAI Media post-match.

“We are proud of getting the opportunity to play here and winning the gold. The management and facilities provided at the Khelo India Beach Games have been very good. The grip strength increases and stability increases playing in the sand. There is more speed in the mat, unlike here, and that helps us to focus more on the stability in sand,” Monu added.

The Haryana women’s team meanwhile, faced stiff resistance against an equally determined Himachal Pradesh side in the final. The Haryana women’s team, with an average age of 21, won the match 45-38, following a close first half which resulted in them taking a 22-20 lead over Himachal.

“The start of match was very close, but post half time, we took the lead,” mentioned captain Haryana women’s team skipper Renu. “Our team trains in Jind and our team members have competed at the kabaddi national championships. Competing here at the Khelo India Beach Games was a fulfilling experience. This platform will help us a lot. Next time, we’ll do better than this,” the 21-year-old added.

Results: 

Men: Gold – Haryana; Silver – Rajasthan; Bronze – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh

Women: Gold – Haryana; Silver – Himachal Pradesh; Bronze – Delhi, Maharashtra.