61st Senior State Kho-Kho Championship
Dharashiv Crowned Women’s Champions, Pune Clinch Men’s Title
Dharashiv–Pune Domination Across the State
Pune Complete Hat-trick in Men’s, Dharashiv Win Second Consecutive Women’s Crown
Shubham Thorat (Pune) and Ashwini Shinde (Dharashiv) Shine as All-rounders
Beed/Sports Reporter- Bal Toraskar
The 61st Men’s and Women’s Maharashtra State Kho-Kho Championship, held at the Shrimati Yogi Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex, Beed, concluded on a high note with Dharashiv emerging champions in the women’s category and Pune lifting the men’s title. Pune achieved a remarkable hat-trick of championships in the men’s section, while Dharashiv secured their second consecutive women’s state title, underlining their dominance in Maharashtra Kho-Kho. Shubham Thorat of Pune and Ashwini Shinde of Dharashiv were the standout all-round performers of the tournament.
Women’s Final: Dharashiv Edge Past Pune in a Thriller
The women’s final between Dharashiv and Pune witnessed a gripping contest till the last whistle. Dharashiv clinched a narrow 28–26 victory, winning the match by two points to seal the championship. Both teams earned four Dream Run points each, reflecting the high intensity of the encounter. Dharashiv’s victory was built on strong all-round contributions from Maithili Pawar (1:52 and 1:20 min defence, 6 points), Ashwini Shinde (2:20 and 2:50 min defence, 4 points), Sandhya Survase (1:50 min defence, 4 points), Sampada More (2:10 min defence, 2 points) and Suhani Dhotre (1:20 min defence, 2 points). Pune fought valiantly through Priyanka Ingale (2:10 and 1:50 min defence, 4 points), Komal Dharwatkar (1:40 and 1:20 min defence), Shweta Navale (unbeaten 1:20 and 2:00 min defence) and Bhagyashree Bade (6 points), keeping the match alive till the end.
Men’s Final: Pune Overcome Mumbai Suburban to Complete Hat-trick
The men’s final between Pune and Mumbai Suburban turned into a classic contest of nerves and strategy. At halftime, both teams were locked at 16–16, but Pune showed composure in the closing stages to register a 34–32 win by two points, completing a memorable hat-trick of state titles. Pune’s triumph was powered by Shubham Thorat (1:40 min defence, 4 points), Suyash Gargate (1:30 min defence, 8 points), Ravikiran Kachve (6 points) and Pratik Waikar (1:40 and 1:15 min defence). Mumbai Suburban put up a strong fight through Aniket Chendvankar (1:45 and 1:25 min defence, 8 points), Nihar Duble (1:10 min defence, 4 points) and Dheeraj Bhave (unbeaten 1:30 and 1:05 min defence, 4 points) but narrowly missed out on the title.
All-round Performances Steal the Spotlight
The championship was marked by exceptional all-round performances that thrilled Kho-Kho fans. Shubham Thorat consistently delivered for Pune in the men’s section, while Ashwini Shinde emerged as the backbone of Dharashiv’s women’s team, both playing decisive roles in their teams’ title-winning campaigns.
Individual Award Winners
• Raje Sambhaji Award (Best All-rounder – Men): Shubham Thorat (Pune), Best Defender (Men): Aniket Chendvankar (Mumbai Suburban), Best Attacker (Men): Suyash Gargate (Pune)
• Ahilya Award (Best All-rounder – Women): Ashwini Shinde (Dharashiv), Best Defender (Women): Priyanka Ingale (Pune), Best Attacker (Women): Maitri Pawar (Dharashiv)
Prize Distribution and Grand Conclusion
The prize distribution ceremony was held in the presence of Superintendent of Police Navneet Kawat, ESI Director Dr Ashok Thorat, District Sports Officer Arvind Vidhyadhar, Secondary Education Officer Priyarani Patil, Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee J.P. Shelke, Beed Amateur Kho-Kho Association President Rishikesh Shelke, Secretary Vijay Jaher, and office bearers of the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association, including General Secretary Dr Chandrajit Jadhav, Executive President Sachin Godbole, and Treasurer Adv Govind Sharma, along with several officials, volunteers and sports enthusiasts.
