Karnal Kings Cruise Past Sonipat Stars 35-21 to Open 2-0

Karnal Kings Cruise Past Sonipat Stars 35-21 to Open 2-0

Karnal Kings made it two wins from two on January 27, defeating Sonipat Stars 35-21 at the Sports University of Haryana, Rai to open their Kabaddi Champions League Season 1 campaign in commanding fashion. The comfortable 14-point margin was one of the more one-sided results of the season's opening week.

Sunil Malik's defensive leadership again proved central to Karnal Kings' success, giving coach Ravinder Pahal's side the platform to control the match from the middle periods onward. Sonipat Stars, despite Ayan Lochab's individual efforts in raiding, struggled to find the same rhythm that had carried them past Gurugram Gurus in their opening match just two days earlier.

The result put Karnal Kings firmly among the early pace-setters of the Haryana kabaddi league 2026 season, backing up their opening-day upset of Rohtak Royals with another statement performance. For Sonipat Stars, the defeat was a reminder of the gap that still existed between their best performances and their most complete ones, a gap coach Ramesh Kumar's side would go on to close significantly as the season progressed.

Sonipat Stars recovered well from this defeat, eventually finishing the league stage with four wins including notable victories over both Bhiwani Bulls and Rohtak Royals. But this early loss to Karnal Kings remains a reminder of how competitive the middle of the Kabaddi Champions League table was throughout Season 1, with fine margins separating playoff contenders from teams just outside the frame.

Follow the Kabaddi Champions League website for full match reports, player stats, and the latest updates as we build toward Season 2.