The 39th Sub-Junior (Under-14) Boys’ and Girls’ State Kho-Kho Championship and Selection Trials, organised by Shri Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar, under the aegis of the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association and Mumbai Kho-Kho Association, concluded successfully at the Mumbai Physical Education Board ground, Wadala. The championship once again highlighted the depth, discipline and competitive spirit of Maharashtra’s traditional sport. After nail-biting final matches, Satara created history by winning their maiden boys’ state title, while Dharashiv continued their dominance in the girls’ category by lifting their fifth championship trophy. The Wadala venue witnessed a festive atmosphere filled with excitement, skill and sporting passion.
Satara’s Golden Moment: Narrow Win Over Pune in Boys’ Final
As expected, the boys’ final turned out to be a high-voltage contest that went down to the wire. Satara edged past Pune by a narrow margin of 25–23, with the scores level at 12–12 at half-time. Both teams collected 10 points and two dream runs each in the first half, keeping the match evenly poised. In the second half, Satara maintained composure and balanced attack with defence to seal a historic first state title. Satara’s key performers were Ayush Yadav (1.50 min defence, 8 points), Ayush Pangare (1.30 min, 1.30 min defence, 2 points), Varad Pol (1.30 min defence, 4 points), Swaraj Gadhave (1.20 min defence, 2 points) and Swaraj Uttekar (1.30 min defence). Pune fought hard through Kartavya Gandekar (2 min, 2.20 min defence, 4 points), Soham Deshmukh (1.45 min defence, 6 points), Vedant Gaikwad (1.30 min defence, 2 points) and Satyam Sakat (6 points), but fell short in the closing moments.
Dharashiv Dominate Girls’ Final to Lift Fifth Title
In the girls’ final, Dharashiv delivered a commanding performance to defeat Solapur 24–18, with a massive lead of 19–6 at half-time and five minutes remaining on the clock. Dharashiv set the tone early with sharp attacks and solid defence, leaving Solapur little room to recover despite a better second-half showing. Dharashiv’s title-winning effort was led by Rahi Patil (3.20 min defence, 6 points), Swaranjali Thorat (2.05 min defence, 4 points), Mugdha Satpute (unbeaten 2.20 min defence) and Samiksha Bhosale (1.55 min defence, 2 points). Solapur’s resistance came from Rutuja Survase (1.50 min defence, 4 points), Kartiki Yalmar (1.50 min defence, 2 points) and Asawari Jadhav (4 points), but the defending champions could not retain their crown.
Individual Awards Honour Outstanding Talent
Exceptional individual performances were recognised at the awards ceremony. In the boys’ category, the Rana Pratap Award for Best All-Rounder was presented to Ayush Yadav (Satara), Best Defender award went to Soham Deshmukh (Pune), while Varad Pol (Satara) was named Best Attacker. In the girls’ category, the Hirakani Award for Best All-Rounder was won by Rahi Patil (Dharashiv), Best Defender award went to Kartiki Yalmar (Solapur), and Mugdha Satpute (Dharashiv) received the Best Attacker honour.
Prize Distribution in the Presence of Dignitaries
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted in the presence of Maharashtra Olympic Association Secretary General Sanjay Shetty, Advocate Arun Deshmukh (President, Mumbai Kho-Kho Association and Shri Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar), Chief Executive Surendra Vishwakarma, Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association Secretary General and MOA Associate Vice-President Dr Chandrakant Jadhav, Executive President Sachin Godbole, Vice-President Ashwini Patil, Joint Secretaries Jayanshu Pol and Balasaheb Toraskar, Office Secretary Prashant Inamdar, Pawan Agarwal (First Veeji Lions Club) and PIO Ravindra Kadel (Lions Club). Several kho-kho officials, volunteers and sports enthusiasts were also present in large numbers.
Bright Future for Grassroots Kho-Kho
The championship underlined the growing talent pool, discipline and competitive mindset among young players in Maharashtra. Satara’s historic triumph and Dharashiv’s sustained excellence stood out as defining highlights of the tournament, reinforcing the strong foundation and promising future of kho-kho at the grassroots level.