In a nail-biting journey through the 59th State Championship Khokho Tournament, Pune has emerged as a dominant force, securing spots in both the men’s and women’s group finals. The stage is now set for an epic clash as Mumbai Suburban faces Pune in the men’s group final, while Thane takes on Pune in the women’s group final for the prestigious Ka. Prof. U. D. Ingle (Baba) Memorial Cup.
The women’s semi-final witnessed a tight battle between Shree Shivaji College Prof. Dharashiv and Thane, with Thane emerging victorious by a slender one-point margin of 12-11. The first-half lead of 5-4 proved crucial for Thane, with standout performances from Rupali Bade, Reshma Rathod, and Shital Bhor showcasing their all-round prowess. Despite a commendable effort from Dharashiv’s Suhani Dhotre and Ashwini Shinde, Thane secured the win and a spot in the finals.
In the men’s semi-final, the clash between Pune and Thane kept fans on the edge of their seats. With a narrow 10-9 lead at halftime, Pune clinched the victory with a final score of 16-14. Prateek Waikar, Shreyash Gargate, and Rishabh Wagh orchestrated Pune’s triumph, while Akash Kadam’s formidable attack for Thane kept the match intense. Gajanan Shengal and Suraj Zhore defended valiantly, but Pune emerged victorious with their well-coordinated efforts.
Defending champions Mumbai Suburban showcased their dominance in the second men’s semi-final, defeating Sangli with a convincing 20-12 score. Harshad Hatankar and Akshay Bhangre played pivotal roles in Mumbai Suburban’s success, overshadowing the efforts of Abhishek Keripale and Suraj Lande from Sangli.
As the anticipation builds for the finals, fans can expect riveting clashes, strategic maneuvers, and exceptional displays of skill in the pursuit of the Ka. Prof. U. D. Ingle (Baba) Memorial Cup. Stay tuned for the grand culmination of this thrilling Khokho spectacle that has gripped the sporting community.
