DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) and Maharashtra clinched the men’s and women’s titles respectively at the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, held in Kazipet, Telangana.
Railways secured the men’s title for the second consecutive year, while Maharashtra continued their dominance in the women’s category by lifting the trophy for the fifth time in a row. In a closely fought women’s final, Maharashtra edged past Odisha by a solitary point in a tense 23–22 encounter. The men’s final was equally gripping, with Railways overcoming Maharashtra by 26–21.
Both Railways (men) and Maharashtra (women) had also emerged champions at the 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, which took place in Puri, Odisha, from 31 March to 4 April 2025. Odisha and Maharashtra, meanwhile, claimed silver medals in the women’s and men’s categories respectively for the second consecutive time.
At the championship, Pratik Waikar of Maharashtra was named Best Defender in the men’s category, while Archana Pradhan of Odisha received the Best Defender award in the women’s category. Abhinandan Patil of Railways was adjudged Best Attacker in the men’s competition, with Priyanka Ingle of Maharashtra earning the same honour in the women’s category.
Ramji Kashyap of Indian Railways was conferred the prestigious Ekalavya Award, while Sandhya Survase of Odisha received the Rani Laxmi Award. Both were also recognised as Best All-Rounders in their respective categories.
The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, held from 11 to 15 January, witnessed strong performances from teams across the country. Kolhapur finished third in the men’s category, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) secured third place in the women’s competition, repeating their achievement from the previous edition.
Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Sudhanshu Mittal said, “The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in Telangana sets a new milestone for senior nationals. Right from organisation to participation, every aspect was outstanding. The level of energy and excitement was incredible and Kho Kho as a modern sport offers high-voltage entertainment to the audience.”
KKFI general secretary Upkar Singh Virk commented, “With such a large participation of teams from various states, UTs and Institutions, the senior national championship was really dynamic and representative. Matches were electrifying and I congratulate all the teams, players & officials for participating in the Championship.”
Telangana Kho Kho Association president Janga Raghava Reddy added, “It has been an honour to take the mantle of hosting the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship. It has been a monumental effort and it is a happy occasion to see the sport thrive in Telangana.”
