Cuttack, Feb. 23 -- The knockout stages of the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championships kicked off with four compelling Round of 16 clashes at Cuttack's Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, setting up two quarter-final encounters.

Defending champions Haryana, guided by star Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) players like defender Yogesh Kathuniya and raider Ashu Malik, were pushed hard by Tamil Nadu in what proved to be the most competitive fixture of the day. Despite Tamil Nadu's spirited resistance, Haryana's superior raiding unit helped them secure a 48-41 victory in a high-scoring encounter, as per the Senior National Kabaddi Championships, a release said.

The Naveen Kumar-led Services demonstrated why they remain one of the tournament favorite...