The 61st Senior Men’s and Women’s State Kho-Kho Championship, currently underway at the Shrimant Yogi Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex, Beed, has reached its decisive stage. In the women’s category, Dharashiv will face Pune in the final, while in the men’s category, Pune will take on Mumbai Suburban in the title clash. With all four teams packed with national and international-level players, thrilling and closely fought finals are expected.
Women’s Semi-finals
Dharashiv’s Dominant March
In the first women’s semi-final, Dharashiv registered a commanding victory over Nashik by one inning and 10 points (26–16) to seal their place in the final. Dharashiv players Sandhya Surwase (3:10 minutes defence), Ashwini Shinde (2:30 minutes defence and 4 points) and Maithili Pawar (2 minutes defence and 2 points) delivered an impressive all-round performance. Nashik’s Jyoti Medhe put up a commendable fight despite the defeat.
Pune Edge Past Thane
In the second semi-final, Pune defeated Thane by a narrow margin of 3 points and 50 seconds (32–29) to book their final berth. Pune gained a crucial advantage by scoring four Dream Run points across both innings, while Thane managed just one. Pune’s key contributors were Shweta Navale (2:24 minutes defence), Priyanka Ingale (1:30 and 2:04 minutes defence, 10 points), Shweta Wagh (1:14 minutes defence, 4 points) and Aparna Wardhe (unbeaten 1:30 and 1:16 minutes defence, 2 points). Thane fought hard through Reshma Rathod (2:20 and 1:32 minutes defence, 4 points) and Priyanka Bhopi (1:20 and 1:03 minutes defence) but fell just short.
Men’s Semi-finals
Pune Win a Nail-Biter Against Dharashiv
The first men’s semi-final produced high drama as Pune defeated Dharashiv by 4 points, with 1 minute 10 seconds remaining (37–33). Pune’s victory was built on the solid efforts of Shubham Thorat (1:45 and 2:30 minutes defence, 4 points), Pratik Waikar (1:30, 1:30 and 1:40 minutes defence, 8 points), Suyash Gargate (1:00 and 1:30 minutes defence, 2 points) and Rudra Thopte (8 points). Dharashiv responded bravely through Vijay Shinde (1:30 and 1:02 minutes defence, 4 points) and Shri Pethe (1:20 and 1:02 minutes defence, 4 points).
Mumbai Suburban Outplay Sangli
In the second semi-final, Mumbai Suburban defeated Sangli by 2 points, keeping 3 minutes 37 seconds in hand (36–34) to advance to the final. Mumbai Suburban’s standout performers were Akshay Bhangare (2:10 and 1:10 minutes defence), Aniket Chendavanekar (1:30 and 1:10 minutes defence, 8 points), Pratik Devre (10 points) and Nihar Dubale (1:00 and 1:06 minutes defence, 2 points). Sangli fought valiantly with Akshay Masal (1:08 and 1:34 minutes defence, 4 points) and Abhishek Keripale (1:10 minutes defence, 8 points) shining in defeat.
All Eyes on the Finals
With Dharashiv vs Pune in the women’s final and Pune vs Mumbai Suburban in the men’s final, excitement has reached its peak in Beed. Kho-kho fans are eagerly awaiting the championship clashes, as the 61st State Championship heads towards a thrilling conclusion.