Railway Sports Promotion Board and Maharashtra Triumph at 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship
Championship Overview
In an exhilarating finale, the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) and Maharashtra emerged victorious in the men's and women's divisions, respectively, at the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship held in Kazipet.
Title Defenses
The Railways men's team secured their title for the second consecutive year, while Maharashtra's women's team claimed their fifth straight championship. In a closely contested women's final, Maharashtra edged out Odisha with a narrow 23-22 victory. The men's final saw Railways triumph over Maharashtra with a score of 26-21, featuring several thrilling moments. Both teams had previously won the 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in Puri, Odisha, from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Notably, Odisha and Maharashtra both received silver medals in their respective categories.
Final Match Highlights
In the women's final, Maharashtra showcased strong defense, with Sandhya Survase holding the mat for 2:30 minutes and Kho Kho World Cup Captain Priyanka Ingle maintaining her position for 2:00 minutes. Ingle also excelled offensively, scoring a total of 10 points. Odisha's Archana Pradhan demonstrated impressive defensive skills during the match.
In the men's final, Pratik Waikar from Maharashtra provided excellent defense, remaining on the mat for 1.55 seconds, while Abhinandan Patil from Railways was notable for his attacking prowess.
Individual Awards
During the championship, Pratik Waikar of Maharashtra was recognized as the best defender in the men's category, while Archana Pradhan of Odisha received the same honor in the women's category. Abhinandan Patil from Railways was named the best attacker in the men's division, and Priyanka Ingle from Maharashtra earned the title in the women's division. Ramji Kashyap of Indian Railways was awarded the prestigious Ekalavya Award, and Sandhya Survase of Odisha received the Rani Laxmi Award, both also recognized as the Best All-Rounder in their categories.
Officials' Comments
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), remarked, "The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in Telangana has set a new benchmark for senior nationals. The organization and participation were exceptional, and the energy was palpable, showcasing Kho Kho as a modern sport that provides high-voltage entertainment to spectators."
General Secretary Upkar Singh Virk praised the dynamic nature of the championship, highlighting the impressive participation from various states, UTs, and institutions. He congratulated all teams, players, and officials involved.
MS Tyagi, Chairman of Organisation & Administration at KKFI, commended the winners and noted that the healthy participation reflects the growing popularity of Kho Kho.
Janga Raghava Reddy, President of the Telangana Kho Kho Association, expressed pride in hosting the championship, emphasizing the monumental effort involved and the sport's flourishing presence in Telangana.
Additional Results
The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, held from January 11 to January 15, showcased remarkable performances from teams nationwide. Kolhapur secured third place in the men's category, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) finished third in the women's category, mirroring their previous senior national performances.