Vadodara, Feb. 24 -- As the 72nd Senior Nationals Men's Kabaddi Championship 2026 gets underway at the Sama Indoor Complex in Vadodara from February 24 to 27, former Himachal Pradesh star and Puneri Paltan head coach Ajay Thakur believes the tournament remains the biggest proving ground in Indian kabaddi.

With 29 teams and around 400 players competing under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the championship will feature a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent -- including standout performers from Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, as per a press release.

"The Senior Nationals is the biggest event at the national level. If you win here -- whether it's gold, silver or bronze -- you feel immense pride. You are a n...