The much-awaited First Professional Invitational Kho-Kho Tournament 2026, organised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Sports Club under the aegis of the Mumbai Kho-Kho Association, began in grand fashion at the historic Late Vivekanand Paigavkar Kridanagari on the famous red ground of Vidyarthi Krida Kendra, Parel. The opening day witnessed electrifying action, intense competition and edge-of-the-seat finishes as top professional teams battled fiercely for every point. Bank of India, MahaVitaran Company, Naval Dock and Mumbai Police opened their campaign with impressive victories. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Rahul Sinha (General Manager, HRMD, Central Office), former Indian wrestler and Arjuna Awardee Pappu Yadav, and Sachin Narsappa, General Secretary of RBI Sports Club.
Bank of India Prevail in Thrilling Contest Against Municipal Corporation
In the opening match of the professional category, Bank of India defeated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation by 19-17 after an intense battle that remained tied at 10-10 at half-time. The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats before the experienced tactical guidance of coach Vivek Ambre helped Bank of India take control in the crucial moments. For the winning side, Janardan Sawant (1.30, 1.20 min defence and 5 points), Mayuresh More (1.40, 1.20 min defence and 1 point), Arpit Tiwari (1, 1.40 min defence and 2 points) and Manoj Chaudhary (1.20 min defence and 5 points) delivered outstanding performances. For the Municipal Corporation team, Nikhil Waghe (1.20 min defence and 2 points), Aditya Patil (1, 1.10 min defence and 1 point), Ajay Mitra and Nimesh Chougule (3 points each) fought hard but could not prevent defeat.
MahaVitaran Edge Past Gandhekar Electricals in Nail-Biting Finish
In the second match, MahaVitaran Company registered a thrilling 15-14 victory over Gandhekar Electricals Pvt. Ltd., maintaining a lead of 7.10 min after dominating the first half 13-6. MahaVitaran displayed aggressive attacking play and solid defence throughout the match. The winning team’s key performers were Samyak Jadhav (1.20 min defence and 2 points), Aniket Chendwankar (1.40, 1.40 min defence and 4 points) and Pratik Waikar (2 min defence and 1 point). For Gandhekar Electricals, Gaurav Kudav (4 points), Kushal Mukne (1.10, 1.20 min defence and 1 point) and Kushang Vaishya (3 points) put up a determined fight but fell short narrowly.
Naval Dock Showcase Strong Defence Against Thane Special Police Cell
In the third encounter, Naval Dock defeated Thane Special Police Cell by 10-9 after leading 8-5 at half-time and maintaining a margin of 7.10 min. Naval Dock relied on disciplined strategy and strong defensive coordination to secure victory. The standout performers for Naval Dock were Sarthak Junghare (1.50, 2.30 min defence and 3 points), Anant Satale (2, 1.40 min defence and 3 points) and Hiten Bhoir (1.50 min defence in both innings). Despite the loss, Chetan Bawne (2.10 min defence), Shridhar Desai (1.20, 1.10 min defence and 6 points) and Deepak More (1.40 min defence and 1 point) fought valiantly for Thane Special Police Cell.
Mumbai Police Outclass Hosts RBI in High-Voltage Clash
The most exciting match of the day saw Mumbai Police defeat hosts Reserve Bank of India by 17-15 in a thrilling contest after the scores were level at 9-9 at half-time. The match witnessed intense action till the final moments before Mumbai Police executed their strategies brilliantly to seal victory. For Mumbai Police, Akshay Khapre (1.40 min defence and 2 points), Nikhil Ghadge (1.10, unbeaten 1 min defence and 4 points), Sohel Sheikh (1.40, 1.30 min defence and 5 points) and Sohel Kalawant (2 min defence and 1 point) played decisive roles. For RBI, Atharva Khochade (1.10 min defence and 1 point), Siddhesh Chorge (1 min defence and 5 points), Sujal Devhare (1.30, 1.20 min defence), Harshal Meher (1.30, 1 min defence and 3 points) and Sufiyan Sheikh (2.20 min defence and 3 points) displayed fighting spirit but could not stop Mumbai Police from taking full points.