In a breathtaking display of speed, strategy and sheer determination, the Maharashtra Amateur Sports Association organised Sub-Junior Mumbai District Kho Kho Championship concluded on a high note at the Om Samarth Bharat Vyayam Mandir ground, Matunga. The finals delivered edge-of-the-seat action, roaring applause and unforgettable moments as Om Saishwar Seva Mandal (Boys) and Shri Samarth Vyayam Mandir (A) (Girls) emerged as champions with commanding performances. The prize distribution ceremony was held in the presence of Unmesh Naravane, Prakash Nakashe, Adv. Arun Deshmukh, Balasaheb Toraskar, Sudhakar Raul, Surendra Vishwakarma, Nitin Pashte, Vikas Patil, while newly elected corporator Yashwant Killedar also encouraged the players with his presence.
Om Saishwar Boys pose with the trophy alongwith Guests and Officials
Boys Final: Om Saishwar’s Tactical Brilliance Seals the Title
In a nail-biting final, Om Saishwar Seva Mandal defeated Om Samarth Bharat Vyayam Mandir 4-3, maintaining a lead of 4.10 min, to clinch the championship by 1 point. Winning the toss, Om Saishwar opted for defense — a decision that proved निर्णायक. Star performers included Shratik Gami (4, 6.10 min defense & 2 points), Aarav Satam (1.30 min defense & 1 point) and Adhiraj Gurav (not out 1.30 min defense & 1 point) who played match-winning roles. Despite a strong fight from Nihal Shinde (not out 5.30 min defense & 1 point), Sai Nikam (1.50 min defense), Ishan Desai (1.30 min defense) and Gaurav Joshi (1 point), Om Samarth had to settle for runner-up position. The match was officiated by chief referee Kanti Sarvaiya.
Shri Samarth Girls team pose with their trophy along with guests and officials.
Girls Final: Shri Samarth (A) Dominate with One-Sided Victory
In the girls’ final, Shri Samarth Vyayam Mandir (A) outclassed Arya Sena with a convincing 14-4 victory. Arya Sena won the toss and chose defense, but failed to capitalize. Khushi Yadav (4.30 min defense & 5 points) led from the front, supported by Grantha Warghade (4.50 min defense & 1 point), Manva Sawant (2.10 min defense & 1 point), Aradhya Mali (2 min defense) and Aastha Mahadik (4 points) who delivered a dominant team performance. Arya Sena players Gargi Shinde, Dakshata Gholap, Saumya More, Gargi More, Riya Golavaskar could not register significant impact in the final.
Third Place Battles: Saraswati & Shivneri Shine
In the third-place matches, Saraswati Sports Club defeated Vidyarthi Krida Kendra 4-2 in the boys’ category. In the girls’ category, Shivneri Seva Mandal secured third place by beating Om Saishwar Seva Mandal 2-1, showcasing strong competitive spirit till the end.
Star Performers: Best Players of the Tournament Honoured
The tournament recognised outstanding individual brilliance:
All-Rounder: Shratik Gami (Om Saishwar) and Khushi Yadav (Shri Samarth)
Best Defender: Nihal Shinde (Om Samarth) and Grantha Warghade (Shri Samarth)
Best Attacker: Adhiraj Gurav (Om Saishwar) and Dakshata Gholap (Arya Sena)