62nd Mumbai Commercial District Kho-Kho Championship
Speed, agility, sharp tactics and nerve-racking contests came together in grand fashion at the historic Lal Maidan, Parel, as the 62nd Mumbai Commercial District Kho-Kho Championship, organised by Vidyarthi Krida Kendra under the aegis of the Mumbai Kho-Kho Association, concluded in a festive atmosphere. Amid drum beats, fireworks and a large, enthusiastic crowd, Mumbai’s kho-kho talent displayed its true calibre. Central Railway emerged champions in the Men’s Commercial category, Western Railway clinched the Women’s Commercial title, while the 4 Feet 11 Inch experimental category was won by the host Vidyarthi Krida Kendra.
Men’s Final – Central Railway Win in a Nail-Biting Finish
In a thrilling men’s final, Central Railway edged past arch-rivals Western Railway by 13–12, winning by 1 point with 2.40 minutes in hand. Central Railway won the toss and opted for defence first. The match was officiated by Chief Referee Devendra Barde. Central Railway’s victory was powered by Ramji Kashyap (2.20, unbeaten 2 min defence & 2 points), Dilip Khandvi (1.10, 2 min defence & 1 point), Milind Chavrekar (1.20, 1.40 min defence & 1 point) and Vijay Hajare (1.10, 1.40 min defence), Arnav Patankar (1.40 min defence & 2 point. For Western Railway, Mahesh Shinde (2.20, 2.10 min defence & 2 points), Rishabh Wagh (1.20, 1.50 min defence), Nikhil Sodaye, Rahul Mandal and Mazhar Jamadar (3 points each) fought hard, but fell just short of the title.
Women’s Final – Western Railway’s Commanding Triumph
In the women’s final, Western Railway produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Rachana Notary Works by 6–4, winning by 2 points with one inning in hand. Western Railway won the toss and chose defence, with Kanti Sarvaiya officiating as Chief Referee. The winning effort was led by Sandhya Survase (5 & unbeaten 3 min defence & 1 point), Archana Manji (4 min defence & 2 points), Tejaswini K. R. (unbeaten 2 min defence), Divya Gaikwad, Kishori Mokashi (2 min defence each), Kalyani Kank and Suhani Dhotre (2 points each). Despite a spirited effort from Sakshi Wafelkar (1 min defence & 4 points), Geetanjali Narsale (2.20 min defence), Sakshi Torane (1.30 min defence) and Kajal Sheikh (1.40 min defence), Rachana Notary Works could not prevent the defeat.
4 Feet 11 Inch Category – Hosts Vidyarthi Krida Kendra Shine
In the experimental 4 Feet 11 Inch boys’ final, Vidyarthi Krida Kendra defeated Om Saishwar Seva Mandal after an intense contest. The match ended 5–5 (First Half 2–2, Second Half 1–1, Extra Inning 2–2), before Vidyarthi Krida Kendra sealed victory in shortest attack with 4.49 minutes remaining. Vidyarthi Krida Kendra won the toss and opted for defence, while Anil Gurav served as Chief Referee. Key performers for the winners were Vignesh Jadhav (2.10, 2.50, 5.075 min defence & 2 points), Omkar Jadhav (unbeaten 1, unbeaten 7, unbeaten 1.30 min defence & 1 point) and Kartik Chodankar (3.50, 2.40 min defence). For Om Saishwar Seva Mandal, Sarthak Gami (3.30, 4.50 min defence), Aarav Satam (3, 5.10, 1.50 min defence) and Shlok Jadhav (3 points) put up a strong fight till the end.
Grand Prize Distribution Ceremony
The prize distribution ceremony was held in the presence of Gajanan Wairkar (President, Vidyarthi Krida Kendra), Bal Naik (Executive President), Parag Ambekar (Secretary), Adv. Arun Deshmukh (President, Mumbai Kho-Kho Association), Surendra Vishwakarma (Chief Executive) and Balasaheb Toraskar (Joint Secretary, Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association). Office-bearers and volunteers of Vidyarthi Krida Kendra and the Mumbai Kho-Kho Association were present in large numbers.
Individual Best Player Award Winners
Men:
• Best Defender – Mahesh Shinde (Western Railway)
• Best Attacker – Aarnav Patankar (Central Railway)
• Best All-Rounder – Ramji Kashyap (Central Railway)
Women:
• Best Defender – Archana Manji (Western Railway)
• Best Attacker – Sakshi Wafelkar (Rachana)
• Best All-Rounder – Sandhya Survase (Western Railway)
4 Feet 11 Inch Category:
• Best Defender – Vignesh Jadhav (Vidyarthi)
• Best Attacker – Shlok Jadhav (Om Saishwar)
• Best All-Rounder – Kartik Chandorkar (Vidyarthi)