Ultimate Kho Kho: Mumbai Khiladis, Odisha Juggernauts record maiden wins

A total of six franchises are competing in the inaugural edition of the Ultimate Kho Kho.

Mumbai Khiladis and Odisha Juggernauts opened their account in the inaugural edition of Ultimate Kho Kho by securing wins by a similar eight-point margin on the second day at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Pune, Maharashtra on Monday.

While Mumbai Khiladis earned a nail-biting eight-point victory against Rajasthan Warriors in their second league game by 51-43, Odisha Juggernauts also kickstarted their campaign with a thumping 51-43 win over Chennai Quick Guns.

Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari tossed the coin in the second match and witnessed the modern avatar of India’s homegrown sport. Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India, Mr. Om Prakash Bakoria, Sports Commissioner, Maharashtra, Mr. Chandrakant Kamble, Joint Director Sports, Maharashtra, Mr. Anil Chormale, Deputy Sports Director, Maharashtra and Mr Suhas Patil, Deputy Director Sports, were also present at the venue.

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Earlier, the Indian Army’s renowned brass band of the Bombay Engineering Group played the national anthem to celebrate the 75th Independence Day in style on the second day of the Ultimate Kho Kho.

Just like this homegrown sport, the Bombay Engineering Group, too, has a long and distinguished history, from its inception over 300 years ago. It has served the nation in times of war and peace, earning awards and a nation’s gratitude and recognition for its selfless sacrifices.

Mumbai’s Gajanan Shengal impressed in the attack, scoring 16 points with two pole dives and one skydive.

Mumbai Khiladis won the toss and chose to defend as captain Vijay Hajare alongside Rohan Kore and Avik Singha started the proceedings. Nikhil struck for Rajasthan as he captured Hajare in the first match of the game before the batch was out in the next half minute. Faizankha Pathan, from the third batch of Mumbai, showcased skilful defence to remain unbeaten but Rajasthan Warriors ended the first turn with 18-4 lead.

Mumbai Khiladis continued their aggression when they turned to attack, capturing three opposition batches to end the first innings at 29-20 in their favour.

Rajasthan earned 21 points in the attack to take eight points lead in the first turn with scores at 41-33.

However, Mumbai fought back well to bag 18 points in the final turn and secured the match by a 51-43 score.

Meanwhile, in the second match of the day, Odisha Juggernauts started off well against Chennai Quick Guns with a 20-2 lead after the first turn of the game.

Chennai tried making a comeback by securing 19 points in the second turn however, Odisha once again took the charge of the match and sealed the game comfortably in the end by scoring 27 points in the second innings.

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On Tuesday, Telugu Yoddhas will take on Rajasthan Warriors while Gujarat Giants lock horns with Odisha Juggernauts.

Season 1 of the league will witness six franchises, Chennai Quick Guns, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Khiladis, Odisha Juggernauts, Rajasthan Warriors and Telugu Yoddhas, battling it out for the title over a period of 22 days.

The exciting action of Season 1 will be telecasted in five different languages on Sony Sports Network—SONY TEN 1 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi & Marathi) SONY TEN 4 (Telugu & Tamil) as well as streamed live on SonyLIV.

There will be two matches played each day with live coverage starting at 7:00 PM IST. In Season 1, all the teams will play twice against each other twice during the league stage with Top-4 teams progressing into the knockout stage, which will be played in playoffs format.

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