Pune: 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.
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.
Also read: First win for Mumbai players, beat Rajasthan Warriors by 8 points
Mumbai’s Gajanan Shengal impressed in the attack, scoring 16 points with two pole dives and one sky dive. Mumbai Khiladis won the toss and chose to defend as captain Vijay Hajare alongside Rohan Kore and Avik Singha started the proceedings.
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.
On Tuesday, Telugu Yoddhas will take on Rajasthan Warriors while Gujarat Giants lock horns with Odisha Juggernauts.
