44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship
Maharashtra, Hosts Karnataka and Odisha Roar into the Finals
Maharashtra’s Tigers and Tigresses March Confidently Towards the Title Clash
Bengaluru, January 4 (Sports Desk): At the Gunjur ground witnessed a thrilling kho-kho spectacle as speed, strategy and stamina came together in grand style. Organised by the Karnataka Kho-Kho Association under the auspices of the Kho-Kho Federation of India, the 44th Junior (Boys & Girls) National Kho-Kho Championship (2025–26) has reached its decisive final stage. In high-intensity semi-final encounters, Maharashtra and host Karnataka advanced to the boys’ final, while Maharashtra and Odisha sealed their places in the girls’ final. The electrifying performances, marked by sharp attacks, solid defence and fearless approach, kept spectators on the edge of their seats and shifted national attention firmly to the upcoming title clashes.
Maharashtra Dominate Punjab; One-Sided Semi-Final in Girls’ Category
In the girls’ semi-final, Maharashtra outplayed Punjab, recording a convincing 28–14 victory with a lead of 14 points and one inning. Maharashtra built a strong 26–8 advantage at half-time and never looked back. Sneha Lamkane (1.50 min defence, 8 points) led the charge with an aggressive display, well supported by Shravani Tamkhade (3.20 min defence), Dhanashri Kank (3 min unbeaten defence, 2 points), Sanika Chafe (3 min defence, 2 points) and Shweta Navale (2 min defence, 2 points). For Punjab, Jasdeep Kaur (1.20 min defence, 4 points), Guddi (2 min) and Preeti (1.15 min defence) tried hard, but the Maharashtra defence proved too strong.
High-Voltage Drama: Maharashtra Edge Past Kolhapur in Boys’ Semi-Final
The boys’ semi-final between Maharashtra and Kolhapur turned out to be a nail-biting contest. Kolhapur led narrowly 17–16 at half-time, but Maharashtra staged a strong comeback to clinch a 33–31 win by 2 points. Maharashtra’s victory was powered by Jitendra Vasave (2.20 min defence, 6 points), Raj Jadhav (1 min and 1.40 min defence, 6 points), Sotya Valvi (1.40 min and 1.10 min defence, 4 points) and Ashish Gautam (1.40 min defence, 2 points). Kolhapur’s valiant effort featured Sharad Ghatge (1.40 min and 1.30 min defence, 8 points), Uday Padalkar (1.20 min defence, 4 points) and Shravan Wadekar (2 min and 1.10 min defence, 2 points), but they fell just short in the closing moments.
Odisha Hold Nerve Against Kolhapur; Secure Girls’ Final Berth
In the second girls’ semi-final, Odisha registered a narrow 29–27 win over Kolhapur, advancing to the final with 2 points and 40 seconds still on the clock. Odisha’s disciplined finish under pressure proved decisive. Key contributors were Archana Pradhan (2.30 min and 2 min defence, 2 points), Subhashree (1.10 min defence, 6 points), Lisarani R (1.30 min and 1.40 min defence), Debasmita Das (1 min and 1.50 min defence, 4 points) and K. Ramya (1.10 min defence, 6 points). Kolhapur fought back strongly through Shravani Patil (1.20 min and 1.30 min defence, 4 points), Amruta Patil (1.30 min and 1 min defence, 8 points), Chaitrali Wadekar (1.30 min and 1 min defence, 4 points) and Sai Sawant (1.50 min and 2 min defence), but Odisha held firm at the finish.
Hosts Karnataka Shine at Home; Defeat Madhya Bharat
In the boys’ semi-final, host Karnataka capitalised on home conditions to defeat Madhya Bharat 33–20, winning by 13 points and one inning. Karnataka dominated the first half, leading 31–10 at the break. The hosts’ success was driven by Aniket (2.10 min and 3.50 min defence, 2 points), Yogesh Pawar (2.30 min defence, 6 points), Vijay B. (3 min defence, 2 points), along with Mallikarjun and Ibrahim (4 points each). For Madhya Bharat, Chaitanya Ingole and Adarsh Wankhede (4 points each), and Ishant Karosia (1.50 min defence) showed resistance, but Karnataka’s dominance was decisive.
Grand Finals Set for a Blockbuster Finish
With the semi-finals concluded, the championship is set for a thrilling finale. In the boys’ final, Maharashtra will face host Karnataka, while in the girls’ final, Maharashtra will take on Odisha. Promising top-class action, tactical brilliance and high-pressure moments, these grand finals are expected to deliver an unforgettable climax to the Junior National Kho-Kho Championship.
