Maharashtra are ready to turn their national championship ambitions into gold medal glory! With a formidable blend of talent, determination and match-winning potential, the state’s boys’ and girls’ teams have been announced for the 45th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship, scheduled to be held in Vadodara, Gujarat, from November 21 to 25. Jitendra Vasave of Dharashiv will lead the boys’ team, while Sneha Lamkane of Solapur has been entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the girls’ side. With intensive preparations behind them, both teams will take the court with one clear objective – to bring the national championship titles home to Maharashtra.
Sneha Lamkane and Jitendra Vasave
Experienced Leadership to Drive Maharashtra’s Gold Medal Mission
The Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association’s General Secretary, Prof. Dr Chandrajit Jadhav, announced the state’s two representative squads. Following the selection, the association’s President and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, General Secretary Prof. Dr Chandrajit Jadhav, Chairman Sachin Godbole, Treasurer Adv. Govind Sharma, and other office bearers congratulated the selected players and extended their best wishes for the national championship. The selection reflects the association’s commitment to identifying and nurturing promising talent from across Maharashtra.
Intensive Training Camps Sharpen Championship Preparations
Recognising the importance of preparation ahead of a demanding national competition, the association organised specialised training camps for both teams. The girls’ camp was conducted at Dharashiv, while the boys underwent intensive training at Sangli. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, the players worked extensively on physical fitness, attacking and defensive techniques, speed, agility and team coordination. The training camps provided an important platform for the players to fine-tune their skills and build the collective strength required to compete against the country’s best teams.
Jitendra Vasave to Lead Maharashtra’s Boys’ Challenge
Dharashiv’s Jitendra Vasave will captain the Maharashtra boys’ team, carrying the responsibility of leading the state’s challenge at the national level. The squad brings together talented players from several districts, combining individual ability with the potential for strong team performances.
Maharashtra Boys’ Team: Jitendra Vasave (Captain), Hardaya Vasave, Sotya Valvi (all Dharashiv), Samarth Sawant, Arjun Sehajrao, Sachin Sahani (all Mumbai Suburban), Akbar Shaikh, Omkar Rajput (both Solapur), Samarth Chavan, Advait Bait (both Pune), Parth Devkate (Sangli), Tabrez Khan (Satara), Vinayak Bhange, Ashish Gautam (both Thane) and Gaurav Kudale (Ahilyanagar).
Reserve Players: Omkar Sawant (Thane), Bhimsing Vasave (Dharashiv) and Subodh Chavan (Pune).
Coaching and Management: Head Coach – Pandharinath Badgujar (Dhule); Assistant Coach – Sunil Chavan (Solapur); Manager – Mohan Rajput (Solapur).
Sneha Lamkane to Lead Girls’ Team’s Gold Medal Campaign
The girls’ team will be captained by Sneha Lamkane of Solapur, who will spearhead Maharashtra’s campaign in the championship. The squad features promising players from different districts, bringing together a wide range of talent and competitive experience. The team will look to translate its preparation and collective strength into a strong performance on the national stage.
Maharashtra Girls’ Team: Sneha Lamkane (Captain – Solapur), Dhanashree Tamkhade, Vedika Tamkhade, Anushka Tamkhade (all Sangli), Dhanashree Kank, Praniti Jagdale, Guddi Rathod (all Thane), Maithili Pawar (Dharashiv), Kalyani Lamkane, Prajakta Bansode (both Solapur), Shweta Navale, Aparna Vardhe (both Pune), Nandini Sisodiya (Dhule), Akshara Solanke (Satara) and Arya Bhatkar (Mumbai Suburban).
Reserve Players: Jayashree Pawar (Nashik), Bhavaramma Utgi (Sangli) and Swaranjali Thorat (Dharashiv).
Coaching and Management: Head Coach – Abhijit Patil (Dharashiv); Assistant Coach – Mrs Samruddhi Patil (Thane); Manager – Mrs Sunita Rajput (Solapur).
Dr Jadhav Confident of Strong National Performance
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of both teams, Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association General Secretary Prof. Dr Chandrajit Jadhav said that the players had prepared well during the training camps at Dharashiv and Sangli. He expressed confidence that the guidance of the coaching staff and the hard work put in by the players would translate into impressive performances at the national championship. The association expects both teams to make the most of their opportunities and compete strongly for the top honours.
Maharashtra’s Eyes Firmly Set on Double Gold
The countdown to the Vadodara championship has begun. With Jitendra Vasave and Sneha Lamkane leading their respective teams, and players drawn from districts across the state, Maharashtra have assembled two competitive squads for the national challenge. The real test, however, will unfold on the playing field, where preparation must turn into performance and determination into victories. The expectations of Maharashtra’s sporting fraternity are high. Both teams will be eager to rise to the occasion, overcome formidable opposition and fulfil the state’s ambitious double gold medal dream at the 45th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship.