Kho-Kho Grand Clash! Both Maharashtra Teams Storm into the Pre-Quarterfinals
Maharashtra’s Roar Echoes on Bengaluru Soil | Strong Dominance in National Championship
Bengaluru, January 3 (Sports Desk): At the Ganjur ground, Maharashtra players delivered a powerful performance that electrified the arena. In the 44th Sub-Junior Boys and Girls National Kho-Kho Championship, organised by the Karnataka Kho-Kho Association under the auspices of the Kho-Kho Federation of India, both Maharashtra teams displayed aggressive, agile and confident play to secure emphatic entry into the pre-quarterfinals. Their speed, coordination and tactical superiority have now drawn the attention of kho-kho followers across the country.
Maharashtra’s Winning March: Odisha Defeated by Ten Points
In the boys’ category, Maharashtra registered a convincing 34–24 victory over Odisha. Maharashtra built a strong 24–10 lead at halftime and maintained control throughout the match. Key contributors for Maharashtra were Jitendra Vasave (2.20 min attack and unbeaten 1.10 min defence), Sotya Valvi (2.10 min, 1.40 min defence, 4 points), Hardaya Vasave (2.00 min, 1.50 min defence, 4 points) and Raj Jadhav (1.50 min defence, 2 points). For Odisha, Sameer scored 8 points, while Kuna B. added 1.20 min defence and 4 points, but their efforts fell short.
Maharashtra Girls Dominate Haryana with a Massive Win
The Maharashtra girls’ team produced a one-sided contest, crushing Haryana 47–10 to win by one inning and 37 points. Outstanding performances came from Shravani Tamkhade (unbeaten 3.10 min defence), Sanika Chafe (3.20 min defence, 2 points), Maithili Pawar (3.00 min defence, 4 points) and Lamkane Sneha (2.50 and 2.30 min defence, 4 points). Haryana’s Amanna and Anchal scored 4 points each, but Maharashtra’s dominance was absolute.
Kolhapur’s Strong Punch: Uttar Pradesh Outplayed
In the boys’ section, Kolhapur defeated Uttar Pradesh 28–18, winning by one inning and ten points. Kolhapur’s success was powered by Yogesh Manchikatla (3.26 min defence), Siddhesh Mane (1.35 min and unbeaten 1.50 min defence) and Prem Deshmane (1.20 min defence, 8 points). Uttar Pradesh’s Nikesh (1.20 min defence, 6 points) and Bittu Kumar (1.00 min defence, 2 points) fought hard but could not change the outcome.
Vidarbha Girls Shine Against Rajasthan
In the girls’ category, Vidarbha defeated Rajasthan by 8 points, taking a commanding 23–8 halftime lead. Vidarbha’s notable performers were Shraddha N. (2.46 min defence, 6 points), Kamal M. (2.30 and 2.50 min defence, 6 points) and Eshwari B. (1.40 min defence). Rajasthan’s Rakshim scored 12 points, while Deepanshi (1.00 min), Komal and Aarti (1.30 min each) showed resistance.
Kolhapur Girls Beat Bengal by One Inning
In another girls’ match, Kolhapur defeated West Bengal by 13 points and one inning. Shravani Patil (2.30 min defence, 4 points) and Nilam Harijan (2.00 min defence, 2 points) played key roles for Kolhapur. West Bengal’s Amruta Das (1.26 min defence) put up a spirited effort.
Other Brief Results – Boys Category
Central India beat Rajasthan 27–18 by 9 points and one inning; Rehan Khan scored 10 points., Andhra Pradesh defeated Gujarat 30–26 by 4 points; Mahesh Babu scored 8 points., Tamil Nadu overpowered Chhattisgarh 54–22 by 32 points; Swaraj S. scored 10 points., Host Karnataka defeated Delhi 37–8 by 29 points and one inning; Punith scored 10 points., Kerala beat Punjab 30–24 by 6 points; Hashir recorded 2.25 min defence., West Bengal defeated Vidarbha 38–29 by 9 points; Atanu Das impressed with 3.15 min defence and 6 points.
Other Brief Results – Girls Category
Karnataka defeated Chhattisgarh 33–20 by 13 points and one inning; Apoorva R. scored 8 points., Tamil Nadu beat Uttar Pradesh 24–16 by 8 points; Akshara held the defence for 4 minutes, keeping spectators engaged.
