**Jaipur Pink Panthers Edge Out Defending Champions Haryana Steelers in Pro Kabaddi 2025 Play-In**

Jaipur Pink Panthers secured a thrilling 30-27 victory over defending champions Haryana Steelers in Play-in 1 of the Pro Kabaddi 2025 season on Saturday, October 25. This win propelled the Panthers into the Eliminator round, where they will face the Patna Pirates.

**Coach Narender Redhu Reflects on the Match**

Jaipur Pink Panthers’ head coach Narender Redhu shared his thoughts on the game during the post-match press conference. He highlighted the team’s strategic preparation, especially in dealing with Haryana’s key defenders Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal.

“Our plan was to avoid Jaideep and Rahul, who are their main defenders. And we did that,” said Redhu. “It definitely lifts the confidence when young players perform so well. We will benefit from this game. It was clear that they have a good defense, and if they took the lead, our raiders would have to try more. So we had planned to keep our defense tight. Our defense did well, and we got a lead and we did not let it go.”

This season, the Panthers fielded a relatively new team with several youngsters. However, they not only reached the playoffs but also delivered impressive performances throughout the campaign.

Redhu added, “We will celebrate this win. These are all new guys and playing for the first time but have done so well. We will plan for the next game tomorrow.”

**Next Up: Eliminator 1 Against Patna Pirates**

The Panthers will take on the Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1 on Sunday, October 26, aiming to continue their strong run in the playoffs.

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**Haryana Steelers Coach Manpreet Singh Reacts to the Defeat**

The loss to Jaipur Pink Panthers marked the end of the season for the defending champions Haryana Steelers. Reflecting on the defeat, head coach Manpreet Singh acknowledged the Panthers’ superior performance.

“We cannot get away by saying we made mistakes. They played really well. They played better. We could not play well. After half-time we had to take more risk,” Singh said. “We will have to work on our mistakes for the next season.”

The Steelers faced additional challenges this season, notably the absence of raider Naveen Kumar, who played just four games before being sidelined due to injury. Singh provided an update on Naveen’s rehabilitation and future with the team.

“Naveen is preparing and getting fit. We will have to see how he plays in the nationals. But whether he wants to go into the auction or stay with us depends on him. If he is fit, we would want to keep him. But right now he is under rehab.”

Looking ahead, Haryana Steelers aim to regroup and make a stronger comeback in the upcoming season.

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**About the Author**

*Rishab Vm* is an Indian sports writer at Sportskeeda, covering Kabaddi, Hockey, Indian Football, and Olympic sports. With around three years of experience, Rishab has also worked with My Khel, The News Minute, Times Network, and Deccan Herald. He holds an MA in Media and Communication Studies and has been recognized twice as ‘Commentator of the Month’ while working with Sportskeeda’s communications team.

Rishab began following sports closely after the 2020 Olympics and has a particular interest in Kabaddi, having covered multiple Pro Kabaddi seasons. His favorite athlete is Neeraj Chopra, who significantly impacted Indian sports with his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

When not working, Rishab enjoys playing badminton and football.

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*Edited by Rishab Vm*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/news-we-will-celebrate-win-jaipur-pink-panthers-head-coach-reacts-win-haryana-steelers-pro-kabaddi-2025-playoffs