The finalists of the 52nd State Junior Boys & Girls Kho-Kho Championship and Selection Trials have been decided. In the boys’ category, two-time defending champions Dharashiv and a strong Mumbai Suburban side have entered the final. Dharashiv now stands on the verge of completing a remarkable hat-trick of state titles.
In the girls’ category, defending champions Sangli and Thane have once again qualified for the final, setting up a repeat of last year’s championship clash. The tournament is being organized by the Solapur Amateur Kho-Kho Association and Kiran Sports Club under the aegis of the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association at the Government Ground, Nehrunagar.
Mumbai Suburban Edges Past Solapur
In the first boys’ semifinal, hosts and last year’s runners-up Solapur fought brilliantly and were level at 18-18 at halftime. However, Mumbai Suburban executed their plans well in the second half and registered a narrow 42-40 victory to secure a place in the final.
For Solapur, Rohan Mane scored 14 points and defended for 1.10 minutes, while Om Landge (2. & 1.10 min defence, 4 points) and Akbar Shaikh (2.10 & 1.00 min defence, 2 points) performed well. For Mumbai Suburban, Samarth Sawant (2 min defence, 8 points), Sahil Wasnik (6 points), Prashant Sarjerao (6 points) and Aryan Chavan (1 & 1.50 min defence) played key roles.
Dharashiv Moves Closer to Historic Hat-Trick
In the second semifinal, defending champions Dharashiv defeated Pune 33-28, maintaining a lead of 2.50 minutes to enter yet another final. Hardya Vasave was outstanding in defence, while Mahesh Padvi (1.10 min, unbeaten 1.10 min defence, 6 points) and Jitendra Vasave (2.30 min defence, 4 points) produced all-round performances. For Pune, Yashraj Bansode scored 8 points, while Samarth Chavan (1.40 min defence, 4 points) and Adwait Bet (1.10 & 1.35 min defence, 4 points) fought hard but could not stop Dharashiv.
Thane Registers Convincing Win Over Dharashiv
In the girls’ semifinal, Thane defeated Dharashiv 38-27 after taking a commanding 22-13 lead at halftime. Dhanashree Kank (3.27 & 2.06 min defence, 4 points) and Nidhi Jadhav (2.10 min defence, 6 points) starred with all-round performances, while Vaishnavi Jadhav contributed 10 attack points. For Dharashiv, Maithili Pawar (1.37 & 2.16 min defence, 2 points), Swaranjali Thorat and Srushti Sutar (6 points each) tried hard but could not prevent defeat.
Sangli Beats Solapur to Reach Final
In the second girls’ semifinal, defending champions Sangli defeated hosts Solapur 25-19, maintaining a lead of 5.30 minutes. Vedika Tamkhede (4.00 min defence, 2 points), Anushka Tamkhede (2.00 min defence, 6 points) and Bhavramma Hotgi (1.10 min unbeaten, 2.30 min defence, 6 points) were the architects of Sangli’s victory. For Solapur, Ashwini Mandve (1.25 min defence, 4 points), Prajakta Bansode (1.00 min defence, 4 points) and Kalyani Lamkane (1.50 min defence, 4 points) put up a spirited fight.
All Eyes on the Finals
The boys’ final between Dharashiv and Mumbai Suburban promises to be a thrilling contest, with Dharashiv chasing a third consecutive title. In the girls’ category, Sangli and Thane will renew their rivalry in a repeat of last year’s final, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the championship.