Diwali Blast with Double Crown from Dharashiv's Boy’s and Girls Teams
Golden Jubilee Junior State Kho-Kho Championship and Selection Trials Competition
Dharashiv wins first time in the boys' category and
eighth times in the girls' category
Tanvi Bhosale and Soti Walavi receive Savitri and Vivekananda awards
Dharashiv/ Sports Reporter- Bal Torasker
The host team, Dharashiv, has clinched the championship in both the boys and Girls (Junior) categories at the Golden Jubilee (50th) State Championship and Selection Trial Kho-Kho competition, celebrating a double crown. Tanvi Bhosale won the Savitri award for the best all-round player, while Sotya Walavi also won the Vivekananda Award for the best all-round player & both are from Dharashiv. In the girls' category, Solapur and Thane secured third and fourth places, respectively, while Solapur and Pune did the same in the boys' category. This is Dharashiv's first title in the boys category and, in the girls' category, marks the fourth consecutive victory since 2021-22, bringing the total to eight titles, making this a Diwali celebration to remember. Previously, Thane had achieved a double crown at the 43rd competition held in Jalgaon in 2015-16, and after six championship competitions, Dharashiv made history. Dharashiv is the first team to achieve a double crown as hosts, and the spectators celebrated the victory with a vibrant fireworks display.
The competition, held at the District Education and Training Institute grounds, was organized by the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association in collaboration with the Osmanabad District Kho-Kho Association. In a thrilling final match for the girls, Dharashiv defeated Sangli 11-9. The halftime lead of 6-4 set the stage for their victory. Ashwini Shinde contributed significantly, defending for 4.00 and 2.10 minutes while scoring six points in attacks, delighting the audience with her performance. Tanvi Bhosale defended for 1.20 and 2.10 minutes, while Shrishti Sutar defended for 1.10 and 1.00 minutes, scoring one point. Pranjali Kale maintained an unbeaten defense of 1.20 minutes in the first round and 1.30 minutes in the second, scoring another point for the team. Maithili Pawar defended for 1.10 and 1.40 minutes. Suhani Dhotre claimed the title while dismissing 3 players in the attack showcasing an explosive performance. Sanika Chafe from Sangli delivered an all-round performance defending for 3.10 and 1.40 minutes while scoring three points. Sania Sutar defended 1.40 and 1.30 minutes. Pratiksha Birajdar put up a tough fight, scoring 1.10 minutes and 2.40 minutes in defense after out 3 players in attack. But in the end, Dharashiv hit the winning four for the title.
In the intensely contested boys' final, Dharashiv edged out Sangli with a score of 23-22, securing their first championship title with just 2.30 minutes left in the extra round. The match was thrilling, with Dharashiv leading 10-7 at halftime. However, Sangli made a strong comeback in the second half, leveling the score at 16-16. In the extra round, Dharashiv pulled ahead again with a score of 7-6.
Winning the toss, Dharashiv's Soti Walavi defended for 1.50 and 2.40 minutes, eliminating three opponents in her attacks. Vilas Walavi defended for 1.20 and 1.50 minutes while eliminating two opponents, and Hardaya Vasave eliminated three opponents while defending for two minutes and one minute. Jitendra Vasave defended for 1.40 minutes, eliminating four opponents, while Nitesh Vasave's impressive defense of 1.10 minutes led him to eliminate five opponents, prompting the audience to celebrate with fireworks.
From Sangli, Prajwal Bansode defended for 1.10 and one minute, eliminating six opponents, while Atharv Patil defended for 1.30 and 1.10 minutes, eliminating four opponents. Adarsh Khatawe also provided strong resistance, eliminating five opponents, but the festive spirit of Diwali gifted the victory to Dharashiv.
Outstanding Players
All-Rounders: Soti Walavi, Tanvi Bhosale (Dharashiv).
Defenders: Vilas Walavi (Dharashiv), Sanika Chafe (Sangli).
Attackers: Ashwini Shinde (Dharashiv), Prajwal Bansode (Sangli).
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by actress Bhargavi Chirmule, Solapur's Deputy Superintendent of Police Dulba Dhakne, eye specialist Dr. Vrushali Lamture, Dr. Milind Pol, Principal of Diet College Dr. Dayanand Jatnur, Arjuna Awardee Sarika Kale, co-director of Marathi cinema Santosh Sakhare, and organizer of the Shiv Chhatrapati award Janardan Shelke. The event saw participation from Sachin Godbole, Working President of the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association, and Treasurer Govind Sharma. The opening remarks were given by Dr. Chandrjit Jadhav, General Secretary of the Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association, and the event was hosted by Dr. Arvind Hungargekar.
