Hosts University of Mysore (UoM) helped by some inspiring play by all- rounder A.V. Madhu (dodged for 4min.50s & scored 3 points) and J.S. Kiran (dodged 3min.50s & scored 2 points), registered an exciting 14-13 (by one point), win over Savitribai Phule Pune University in the  final of the All-India Inter-University Kho-Kho Men’s Championship 2017-18, conducted by the UoM at the University Grounds here yesterday.

At half time, UoM trailed 6-7 to Pune and came back strongly in the second innings to emerge as the champion team. Ganpule Akshay (dodged for 3min.20s and scored 4 points) and Bangar Pratik (scored 4 min.), played well for Pune University. This is the second time UoM is winning the All-India title after their earlier triumph in 1983-34.

All the 16 teams, which participated from North, South, East and West Zones, qualified for the Khelo India University-level Competitions 2017-18.

The prizes to the winners were given away by UoM Registrar Bharathi. Prof. Seshanna, retd. Principal, DoS and PES, UoM, Dr. P. Krishniah, in-Charge Director, DPE, UoM and Dr. Grewal, All India University Tournament Observer were the other guests present.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Seshanna congratulated all the kho-kho players from different zones who took part in the tournament and asked them to continue playing the game and keep fit and lead a healthy life.

The organisers felicitated the former Mysore University players in the men’s section who won the silver medal in the All-India Inter-University Kho-Kho Championships in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2009-10.

Final Placings

University of Mysore, 2. Savitribai Phule Pune University, 3. Mangalore University and Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

Results

Final: University of Mysore – 14 (A.V. Madhu 4.50s & 3 points, J.S. Kiran 3.40s & 2 points) bt Savitribai Phule Pune University – 13 (Ganpule Akshay 3.20s & 4 points, Bangar Pratik 4 min) by one point.

Semi-finals: University of Mysore – 15 (Praveen Kumar 4.50s, Kiran Kumar 4 points) bt Mangalore University – 9 (K.C. Dhanush 2.40s & 2 points); Savitribai Phule Pune University – 20 (Ganpule Akshay 2.50s & 4 points) bt Shivaji University, Kolhapur – 17 (Suraj Sheetal 1.30s &  5 points) by 3 points.

Special Prizes

Best All-rounder: Ganpule Akshay (Savitribai Phule Pune University); Best Defender: J.S. Kiran (University of Mysore); Best Attacker: A.V. Madhu (University of Mysore).