Dharashiv and Sangli Triumph at Junior Kho Kho Championship

The 51st Junior State Kho Kho Championship concluded with Dharashiv and Sangli clinching the boys’ and girls’ titles, respectively. The event attracted 720 participants from 24 districts and served as a platform to spotlight emerging talents in anticipation of the Junior National Kho Kho Championship.

The 51st Junior State Kho Kho Championship wrapped up on December 7, marking a thrilling victory for Dharashiv and Sangli, who took home the boys' and girls' titles, respectively. This prestigious event, running since December 4, saw the participation of 720 athletes from 24 different districts across Maharashtra.

The championship followed a league cum knockout format, featuring 40 matches in both categories. In the boys' matches, Solapur secured the runner-up spot, while Sangli and Pune shared third place. For the girls, Thane claimed the runner-up position, with Dharashiv and Solapur tying for third. According to Chandrajit Jadhav, General Secretary of the Maharashtra Kho Kho Association, "The massive participation reflects the strong presence of Kho Kho in the state. The Junior championship is a platform to identify and nurture future talents."

Recognizing exemplary talent, the championship honored Sotya Valvi as the Best Defender, Chandanshiv Shambhuraj as Best Attacker, and Vasave Jitendra as Best All-Rounder in the boys' category. Among the girls, top honors went to Tamkhade Shrawani as Best Defender, Jagdale Praniti as Best Attacker, and Chafe Sanika as Best All-Rounder. Organized by the Maharashtra Kho Kho Association with support from the Ahilyanagar District Kho Kho Association, and under the aegis of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), this championship paved the way for athletes aspiring to compete in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship in Karnataka, scheduled for December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)