The 58th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship, currently underway at the Railway Ground, Kazipet, witnessed an impressive display of speed, agility, skill and tactical play on the very first day. Organised by the Telangana Kho-Kho Association under the auspices of the Kho-Kho Federation of India, the championship saw exciting contests in both women’s and men’s categories. Telangana and Assam dominated the women’s section, while Vidarbha and Haryana stamped their authority in the men’s matches with convincing victories.
Women’s Section: Host Telangana Celebrate Convincing Win over All India Police
In the women’s category, host Telangana opened their campaign in emphatic fashion by defeating All India Police by 20 points and one inning (28–8). Akhila (3.10 min defence, 2 points) and Anusha K. (2.30 min defence, 4 points) delivered consistent and impactful performances, playing a key role in the team’s success and drawing loud applause from the spectators. For All India Police, Ramanpreet Kaur (1.20 min defence, 2 points) showed fighting spirit.
Women’s Section: Assam Make a Powerful Statement Against Jammu & Kashmir
Assam registered a dominant win in the women’s section, defeating Jammu & Kashmir by 20 points and one inning (28–8). Ranjana (3.10 and 1.30 min defence, 2 points) and Kalyani (5.10 min defence) provided strong defensive performances, laying the foundation for Assam’s comfortable victory. From Jammu & Kashmir, Ruchi Mala (1.20 and 1.40 min defence, 4 points) stood out with a spirited effort.
Women’s Section: Madhya Bharat Overpower Bihar
In another one-sided encounter, Madhya Bharat outclassed Bihar by 36 points and one inning (40–4). Rohini (2.20 and 3.50 min defence, 6 points) and Eera Bhatt (4.40 min defence) displayed excellent form, completely dominating the proceedings and ensuring a commanding victory for their side.
Men’s Section: Vidarbha Dominate Goa
In the men’s category, Vidarbha produced a disciplined and aggressive performance to thrash Goa by 34 points and one inning (38–4). Dilraj Singh (2.50 min defence, 8 points) led the charge with an outstanding all-round display, while Faizal Khan (3.40 min defence, 2 points) added stability to the attack. Raush (1 min defence, 2 points) was the lone bright spot for Goa.
Men’s Section: Haryana Register Crucial Win Over Himachal Pradesh
Haryana secured a vital 10-point victory (34–24) against Himachal Pradesh. Trailing by 2 points at halftime (12–14), Haryana launched a strong counter-attack in the second inning, scoring 22 points to turn the match decisively in their favour. Dhruv (1.42 min defence, 10 points) and Gaurav (2.10 min defence, 4 points) played decisive roles, while Shivam (2 min defence, 6 points) and Lalit (1.20 min defence, 8 points) performed well for Himachal Pradesh.
Men’s Section: Rajasthan Outplay Chandigarh
In another men’s match, Rajasthan defeated Chandigarh by 9 points and one inning (25–16). Manish (3.10 min defence, 2 points) and Harish (2.10 min defence, 4 points) were instrumental in Rajasthan’s victory. For Chandigarh, Deepak Singh (4 points) and Sandeep Kumar (2.20 min defence) put up a determined fight.