Two clubs from Thane -- RF Naik Vidyalaya and Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir - are all set to battle it out in the final of the state women’s Kho Kho tournament at Sanmitra Sangh, Kothrud, on Tuesday.
In the semi-finals on Monday, RF Naik Vidyalaya got the better of Narsinha Krida Mandal, Pune, 19-10, while in the second semi-final Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir (5) defeated Aryan Sports Club, Ratnagiri (4).
In the first match, RF Naik Vidyalaya, with a mixture of good defensive and attacking skill, scored a nine-point victory. The architect was Pournima Sakpal, who spent 4.50 minutes on the pitch for her team.
“Our team is strong in defence. There is still room of improvement and we will improve in the final,” said Mayur Palande, coach, RF Naik Vidyalaya.
Pournima got good support from Roopali Bade and Pranali Magar, as the duo clocked 1.50 minutes and 1.40 minutes, respectively.
“Nine players from our team have the experience of playing at state level so it helps. A few players are new, but they are also doing a good job,” added Palande.
In the second semi-final, both the teams came out with a strong defensive show and in the end it was Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir who pull out a one-point victory.
{{/usCountry}}In the second semi-final, both the teams came out with a strong defensive show and in the end it was Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir who pull out a one-point victory.
{{/usCountry}}“Girls are all set for the final. Till now, they have come out with very good performances and tomorrow we will face a team from our district whom we know. We are ready for them,” added Narendra Mengal, coach of Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir.
Priyanka Bhopi was the star player for Shiv Bhakti Vidya Mandir, remaining not out during both innings.
In the first innings she ran for 4.40 minutes, while in the second innings, Bhopi ran for 4.50 minutes.
“Both clubs are not only famous in Maharashtra, but the whole nation knows them as they have produced very good Kho-Kho players. It will be an exciting final,” added Mengal.
Results:
Semi-final 1: RF Naik Vidyalaya, Thane 19 beat Narsinha Krida Mandal, Pune 10. Half Time: 10-5
Semi-final 2: Shiv Bhakt Vidya Mandir, Thane 5 beat Aryan Sports Club, Ratnagiri 4. Half Time: 4-2