Vizag: The Telugu Titans secured their first victory of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 after defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-32 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Thursday. An all-round performance, led by skipper Vijay Malik and raider Bharat Hooda scoring eight points each, along with Ajit Pawar’s High Five, proved decisive. Meanwhile, Nitin Kumar Dhankar’s 13 points for the Pink Panthers couldn’t turn the tide.

The match began cautiously, with both sides trading early points. Telugu Titans edged ahead 7-5 in the opening 10 minutes, thanks to strong defensive displays and Bharat’s impactful raids, which sent Ronak Singh and Meetu to the bench and dismissed Sahil Satpal. Jaipur Pink Panthers responded with Nitin Rawal executing a Super Tackle on Bharat, temporarily shifting momentum, but the Titans maintained a slender lead.

The first half saw Telugu Titans assert control with an ALL OUT in the 13th minute. Ajit Pawar and the Titans’ defense capitalized on Reza Mirbagheri’s failed raid, putting Jaipur on the back foot. Vijay Malik kept the scoreboard ticking while Bharat continued to trouble the opposition, ending the first half with the Titans leading 16-9.

In the third phase, Jaipur attempted a comeback led by Nitin Kumar, who delivered back-to-back successful raids. Reza Mirbagheri contributed with strong defensive plays, but the Titans’ defense, including Ajit Pawar’s Super Tackle, kept Jaipur in check. By the 30-minute mark, the Titans maintained a 23-16 lead.

The final quarter saw intense action as Nitin Kumar’s raids reduced the Titans to one player momentarily. However, Bharat responded with a Super Raid, scoring multiple points. Jaipur managed their first ALL OUT in the fifth minute, but Telugu Titans held on. In the final minutes, Nitin Kumar completed a Super 10 with multi-point raids, yet Vijay Malik sealed the victory for the Titans with a final Super Raid, securing a 37-32 win against the two-time champions.

This victory marks the Telugu Titans’ first win in seven matches against Jaipur Pink Panthers, highlighting their strategic defense, powerful raids, and teamwork.