India’s Pune (Maharashtra), August 19 (ANI): At the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Pune, Maharashtra on Friday, Chennai Quick Guns and Odisha Juggernauts each recorded their second victories in the inaugural season of Ultimate Kho Kho by crushing Mumbai Khiladis and Rajasthan Warriors, respectively.
Chennai Quick Guns upset Mumbai Khiladis by 20 points because to outstanding performances from captain Amit Patil and all-arounder Ramji Kashyap. As the team’s defensive captain, Patil managed three minutes and 41 seconds of play while Kashyap scored 14 points by ejecting six opponents’ defenders.
On the other side, Odisha Juggernauts handed Rajasthan Warriors a 19-point loss thanks to wazir Subhasis Santra’s outstanding effort in the attack. Santra eliminated five Rajasthan Warriors defenders in the attack for 14 points, all with spectacular dives. Aditya Kudale and Nilesh Jadhav both contributed to Santra’s success by scoring nine and eight points, respectively.
Along with Vishal Sharma, COO & League Director, Ultimate Kho Kho, and MS Tyagi, General Secretary, Kho Kho Federation of India & Chairman, Technical Committee, Ultimate Kho Kho, Arjuna awardee Nilima Sarolkar and Sushma Sarolkar presented post-match prizes to the outstanding performers of both matches.
Chennai Quick Guns got out to an aggressive start, full of confidence after their first league victory in the previous game, but Mumbai Khiladis fought back to take a 26-2 lead after just seven minutes.
Kashyap, the star of the previous game, helped Chennai Quick Guns mount a valiant comeback by scoring 37 points in response. Kashyap continued his outstanding performance by scoring 10 points as Chennai Quick Guns finished the first inning at 39-26.
Mumbai Khiladis attempted to launch an additional attack, but Chennai Quick Guns captain Amit Patil held them off by playing for three minutes and thirty seconds and earning six extra points for his team.
Seven minutes remained, and the scores remained 43-43.
The decisive final turn saw the Chennai Quick Guns maintain composure while scoring 22 points to secure a 65-45 victory.
Faizankha Pathan and Avik Singha each scored eight and five points during the onslaught for Mumbai Khiladis.
Before the opening batch was gone in one minute and 47 seconds, in-form Jamadar gave Rajasthan Warriors the first three points by dismissing Vishal with a spectacular sky dive in the 39th second of the game. Even though Dipesh More put on a great defensive performance for the Odisha Juggernauts for two minutes and eight seconds, the Rajasthan Warriors won the first half 20-2.
Odisha Juggernauts were in the lead with a score of 34-20 at the end of the first inning thanks to Santra’s eight points from three dismissals.
With his three minute and six second stay at the beginning of the second innings, Gowtham MK guaranteed four extra points for the Odisha Juggernauts in defence.
Odisha Juggernauts quickly added six more points to their score after starting the final turn 38-44 down owing to Nilesh Jadhav’s two pole dive-dismissals.
The Odisha Juggernauts did not let the lead slip away and eventually won easily 65-46.
Majahar Jamadar, the Rajasthan Warriors’ captain, stood up by amassing an excellent 23 runs and nine wickets, but his valour was insufficient to prevent his team’s third straight league loss. In addition to Jamadar, Hrushikesh Murchavade scored 10 points during the assault.
There won’t be any games this coming Saturday. On Sunday, the top-placed Gujarat Giants will play the Odisha Juggernauts in the opening game, and Telugu Yoddhas and Rajasthan Warriors will square off in the afternoon match.
In Season 1 of Ultimate Kho Kho, which is promoted by Amit Burman in association with the Kho Kho Federation of India, teams from Chennai Quick Guns, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Khiladis, Odisha Juggernauts, Rajasthan Warriors, and Telugu Yoddhas have competed.
The thrilling action of the current season has been broadcast live in five languages on Sony Sports Network, including Sony TEN 1 (English), TEN 3 (Hindi & Marathi), TEN 4 (Telugu & Tamil), and SonyLIV.
September 4 is the Final’s scheduled date.
Prasanta Patnaik