The Maharashtra women’s team showcased a stellar performance to clinch the title in the 57th National Kho-Kho Championship. In a thrilling final, they defeated hosts Odisha 25-21. Meanwhile, in the men’s category, the Railways team outplayed defending champions Maharashtra with a 36-28 victory. This marks Maharashtra women’s 26th national title and Railways’ 12th in the men’s division.
Maharashtra women with their National Kho Kho champiuonship trophy
In the final held at the District Sports Complex in Puri, Maharashtra’s women played with resilience till the very end, overcoming stiff resistance from the host team Odisha. At halftime, the scores were level at 10-10. However, Maharashtra displayed superior strategy and robust defense in the second half to secure a well-deserved victory.
Key contributors in defense included Priyanka Ingle (1.30 mins), Reshma Rathod (1.40 mins), and Ashwini Shinde (1.40 mins) in the first innings, while Tanvi Bhosale (3.00 mins), Sampada More (1.30 mins), and Sanika Chafe (1.20 mins) stood strong in the second. In attack, Reshma claimed 6 dismissals and Priyanka added 4, playing vital roles in the win.
From Odisha, Shubhashree Singh (1.20 mins defense and 6 points) and Smaranika Sahu (1.30 mins unbeaten defense and 4 points) gave a commendable all-round performance but fell short in the end.
Railways team which dominated in men’s final pose with their trophy.
In the men’s final, Railways registered a decisive 36-28 win over Maharashtra. By halftime, Railways had built a crucial 21-12 lead. Though Maharashtra fought back to level the second half 15-15, the first-half advantage ensured Railways’ title win.
Notable contributors for Railways included Arun Gunkhi (1.20 mins defense and 6 points), Rahul Mandal (1.40 mins defense and 4 points), Dilip Khandvi (6 points), Jagannath Das (1.40 mins defense and 4 points), and Mahesh Shinde (1.40 mins and 1.20 mins defense).
For Maharashtra, Laxman Gavas and Milind Chawarekar tried to anchor the team with 1.40 mins of defense each in the second half. Piyush Gholam scored 6 points, while Nihar Dubale, Rudra Thopte, and Suyash Gargate contributed 4 points each. However, their efforts were not enough, and Maharashtra had to settle for the runner-up position.
Coach Narendra Mengal (Thane) credited the Maharashtra women’s team’s victory to the collective efforts of the players and the management. He appreciated the team’s excellent performance and mentioned that the girls raised the state flag high on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.
Champion Maharashtra Women’s Team Roster:
- Players: Ashwini Shinde (Captain), Sampada More, Preeti Kale, Sandhya Suravase, Suhani Dhotre, Tanvi Bhosale (Dharashiv), Sanika Chafe, Ritika Magdum, Pragati Karnale (Sangli), Priyanka Ingle, Deepali Rathod, Ritika Rathod (Pune), Payal Pawar (Ratnagiri), Manisha Patel (Nashik), Reshma Rathod (Thane) Coach: Narendra Mengal (Thane), Assistant Coach: Anil Raundal (Nandurbar), Manager: Sandhya Lavat (Ahilyanagar)