The two most successful teams in the league are Gujarat Giants, coached by Sanjeev Sharma, and Odisha Juggernauts, led by Ashwani Kumar Sharma. They are competing today to advance to the final.
On Friday, the Odisha Juggernauts and Gujarat Giants square off in Qualifier 1 of Ultimate Kho Kho. The winning team advances to the championship round while the loser team competes in the second qualifying round.
In the league phase, Gujarat and Odisha held the top two positions. They only dropped three games, which became the league standard. Both times they played each other, Gujarat prevailed 54–49 in the first game, and Odisha won 50–47 in the second.
Sanjeev Sharma from Gujarat and Ashwani Kumar Sharma from Odisha, two trainers who have been involved in the sport for about 50 years, are the driving forces behind the success of these teams.
The coaches demonstrate how the two approaches to the game are comparable and have been crucial to their teams’ success this season.
While Ashwani graduated in 1987, Sanjeev finished his sports diploma in 1982.
Both have also led Indian teams. At the 2016 South Asian Games, Sanjeev guided the Indian women’s team to a gold medal. With the men’s team, Ashwani’s gold medal came more recently in 2019.
Sanjeev and Ashwani exhibit the most fundamental coaching skill: connecting with their team. Both coaches take pride in being approachable and kind to their players.
“We are their brothers and friends. Everyone is having a good time off the mat, which helps them perform better there, according to Ashwani.
Even during team bonding exercises, the head coach, who is based in Delhi, enjoys dancing with his players.
Similar to Ashwani, Sanjeev is renowned for keeping his squad together. “I believe it is my responsibility to maintain the players’ unity, inspire them, and prevent stress. To put them at ease,” Sanjeev remarked.
Given their extensive playing backgrounds, the two seasoned players understood the need of developing their team’s players despite the unexpected surge in popularity of the game.
“We lecture them and offer meditation advice. Keep your cool around here, Sanjeev said. He really feels that being grounded is key.
Ashwani concentrates on telling his players to reset their efforts. “Every day after dinner, we have a brief meeting where we go over the importance of forgetting the previous game, win or lose, and starting again for the one that’s coming up. The work has been completed. And in the following game, play to win.
One may assume that the gentle-giant mode is their lone mode of operation based on their kind demeanour. This is the furthest thing from the truth.
The two, being the veterans that they are, know when to crank up the vigour. They leave the small talk behind as soon as they get onto the mat. It’s time to get to work.
“In my opinion, that’s how a coach ought to be. Your attention must always be on the game when you are on the field. There is no space for humour or banter, declared Ashwani.
A few characteristics that accurately depict their intensity in the centre are breaching the boundaries of the team dugout, jumping in joy, running to the team huddle with the beverages to provide the important last-minute advise, and passionate air-punches.
Their clubs have reached the top ranks in the league because to this passion. But now, winning first place is the goal.
“ Bilkul pohochenge aur final jeetenge bhi (We’ll indeed reach the final and win it),” said Ashwani when asked whether his team will make it to the final.
Sanjeev preferred not to disclose the range of armoury for the crunch encounter. “ Strategy toh main nahi bol skta (I cannot reveal the strategy) but every coach has his plans chalked out.”
(Source: Agency)
Prasanta Patnaik