- By Manik Sharma
- Sat, 13 Jan 2024 10:54 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2: In a mouth-watering final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cuttack, Gujarat Giants clinched the title in Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 with a 31-26 victory over Chennai Quick Guns.
Gujarat Giants were placed third after the league phase, winning six out of their 10 matches. But when it really mattered in the knock-out phase, the team showcased brilliance, securing the win to bring home their maiden title.
Despite being the favourites, Chennai Quick Guns struggled from the beginning, leading to their defeat. Although they mounted a superb comeback in the final turn, it was not enough.
Sanket Kadam was honoured as the best attacker of the match, while Vijay Shinde received the best defender award. Suyash Gargate was recognised with the Ultimate Kho of the Match award.
Gujarat Giants initiated the match with a strong start, swiftly sidelining Chennai Quick Guns' key players Ramji Kashyap, Madan, and Vijay Shinde. Targeting Ramji early proved to be a strategic masterstroke, as he could not last a minute.
Despite a dream run point attempt by Shinde, Chennai came well short after the first turn. With a score of 14-1, Gujarat Giants held a substantial advantage going into Turn 2.
Their dominance continued with an excellent defensive display. The Gujarat Giants' defensive batch secured five dream run points, lasting five minutes and six seconds on the mat. With a significant 12-point lead, they headed into the second innings.
Although Chennai Quick Guns managed to secure three bonus points in Turn 3, it was insufficient. Trailing by 19 points in the final turn, they needed a miracle, and a near-miraculous comeback was initiated. However, Sanket Kadam's unbeaten performance secured the trophy for Gujarat Giants.
In the battle for the third position, Odisha Juggernauts defeated Telugu Yoddhas 32-24. Despite Telugu Yoddhas holding a slender 14-13 advantage at the end of the first innings, Odisha Juggernauts staged a comeback with a strong Turn 3, earning defensive bonus points and finishing the match on top with a stellar display in the final turn.
Gujarat Giants claimed the championship purse of Rs 1 crore, with Chennai Quick Guns receiving Rs 50 lakhs. The third-place finisher, Odisha Juggernauts, earned Rs 30 lakhs.