In an exhilarating finale of the Vaishnavi Green City-sponsored District Champion Kumar Khokho Tournament, Ardhnari Nateswar Ghampur and Kiran Sports Club emerged victorious in the girls’ group. The spirited competition witnessed Nateswar Ghampur defeating Utkarsh Sports Club Solapur 18-9 in the Kumar group, while Kiran Sports secured a narrow win, 9-8, against Kalyanrao Kale Sports Club Wadikuroli in the girls’ category. Renowned personalities, including Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award Winner Shrikant Dhepe, National Awardee Teacher Balasaheb Wagh, Police Constable Kiran Chavan, and Mahantesh Mulje, were present to honor the winners.
The tournament, organized by South Solapur Taluka Khokho Association and Ramabai Ambedkar Scheduled Caste Residential and Non-residential Primary and Secondary Ashram School Nimbargi, received approval from the Solapur Amateur Khokho Association. Training camps were conducted by Golden Club Mandrup for Kumar’s team and Kiran Sports Solapur for the girls’ team, concluding under the guidance of Mahesh Gadekar, President of Solapur Amateur Khokho Association.
Captains for the upcoming state championship tournament in Shahada (Nandurbar) were announced, with Ganesh Borkar leading the Kumar team and Archana Vanmane guiding the girls’ team. The selection committee, consisting of Rajaram Shitole, Dhondiram Patil, and Santosh Kadam, finalized the Kumar and Girls teams for the district.
While local tournaments contribute to grassroots sports, some argue that more attention should be directed towards developing a structured framework for nurturing talent and ensuring sustained success at higher levels.
