58th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship
Maharashtra Women Shine, Railways Clinch Men’s Title
Historic Finale at Kazipet
Maharashtra women win their 27th title, Railways secure their 13th championship
Maharashtra men and Odisha women finish runners-up
Kazipet (Telangana): The 58th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship, held at the Railway Ground, Kazipet, remained thrilling till the final moment. Organised by the Telangana Kho-Kho Association under the auspices of the Kho-Kho Federation of India, the tournament showcased high-quality, competitive kho-kho. Maharashtra women displayed outstanding skill and determination to lift the title, while the Railways men’s team asserted their dominance to emerge champions. Maharashtra claimed their 27th women’s national title, while Railways celebrated their 13th men’s championship.
Individual excellence was also recognised, with Sandhya Survase (Maharashtra, Dharashiv) receiving the Rani Laxmibai Award, and Ramji Kashyap (Railways, Solapur) being honoured with the prestigious Eklavya Award.
Women’s Final: Maharashtra Edge Past Odisha in a Nail-Biter
In a closely fought women’s final, Maharashtra defeated Odisha 23–22, registering a thrilling 1-point victory. Maharashtra’s win was powered by Priyanka Ingle, who contributed 2.10 minutes of defence and 10 points, along with strong support from Sandhya More (2.40 minutes defence), Sandhya Survase (2.30 minutes defence), and Ashwini Shinde (1.20 minutes defence and 4 points). Despite the loss, Odisha put up a spirited fight through Archana Pradhan (2.10 minutes defence and 2 points), Archana Majhi (unbeaten 1.50 minutes defence), Madhusmita Ojha (1.40 minutes defence and 2 points), and Shobhashree Singh (1.50 minutes defence and 2 points).
Men’s Grand Final: Railways Clinch Title Over Maharashtra
The men’s final saw Railways defeat Maharashtra 26–21, winning by 5 points in a high-intensity encounter. Railways led 14–11 at halftime and maintained control in the second half. Key contributions came from Ramji Kashyap (unbeaten 2.30 minutes defence and 2 points), Mahesh Shinde (1.40 minutes defence), Jagannath Das (1.40 minutes defence and 4 points), Arun Gunki (1.37 minutes defence and 2 points), and Abhinandan Patil (4 points). For Maharashtra, Pratik Waikar (1.55 minutes defence and 2 points), Aniket Chendavankar (1.30 minutes defence and 6 points), and Shubham Utekar (unbeaten 1 minute defence and 2 points) fought valiantly.
Semi-Final Highlights: Road to the Finals
In the men’s semi-finals, Maharashtra defeated Kolhapur 29–27 by 2 points, while Railways overcame Odisha 25–17, winning by 8 points. In the women’s section, Maharashtra dominated Delhi 27–06, winning by one inning and 21 points, and Odisha defeated Airport Authority 27–19 by 8 points to reach the final.
Award Winners: Excellence Recognised
Women’s Category:
Rani Laxmibai Award: Sandhya Survase (Maharashtra)
Best Defender: Archana Pradhan (Odisha)
Best Attacker: Priyanka Ingle (Maharashtra)
Men’s Category:
Eklavya Award: Ramji Kashyap (Railways)
Best Defender: Pratik Waikar (Maharashtra)
Best Attacker: Abhinandan Patil (Railways)
