Bhubaneswar: Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and Sports Hostel team of Puri emerged as champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively in the 13th Junior State Kho Kho Championship, held at District Sports Complex, Puri, from November 27 to December 1. The championship, which brought together 23 boys and 21 girls’ teams from across the State.
In the girls category, KISS claimed the top spot, while Jagatsinghpur emerged as runners-up. Puri and Balasore secured bronze medals.
In the boy’s category, Sports Hostel, Puri, edged out Jagatsinghpur to claim the championship title, with Sundargarh and KISS securing bronze medals.
Chief Guest, Dr. Sambit Patra, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Puri, distributed the prizes. Among others, Narayan Patra, President, Odisha Kho Kho Association (OKKA), and Pradyumna Mishra, Vice President, KKFI, and Secretary, Odisha Kho Kho Association, were also present at the closing ceremony.
The championship showcased the talent and dedication of young athletes from across Odisha, and it’s a testament to the state's commitment to promoting Kho Kho and nurturing young talent.
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding players, including Lisarani Raita (Player of the Tournament, Girls), Archana Pradhan (Best Defender of the Tournament, Girls), Debasmita Das (Best Attacker of the Tournament, Girls), Raghu Soyam (Player of the Tournament, Boys), Ranjan Pradhan (Best Defender of the Tournament, Boys), and Tairni Sahoo (Best Attacker of the Tournament, Boys).
