Kho-kho at KIYG 2025: Odisha girls pip Maharashtra to emerge champions

Odisha girls clinched the title by pulling off a massive upset beating defending champion Maharashtra in a close encounter 34-31 in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar Kho-kho competition at the BIPARD Sports Complex here on Friday. 

Maharashtra, however, maintained its dominance in the boys’ final and beat Odisha 34-25.

The girls’ final was fiercely contested but, led by an outstanding performance by Samarnika Sahu who scored 12 points, Odisha emerged victorious. 

This win marked redemption for Odisha, who had to settle for silver in 2024 edition in Tamil Nadu. This time, the team wrote a new chapter in Odisha’s sports history.

The win was hard earned. Odisha was trailing 10-16 at one stage but showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit to come back strong to clinch the title.

Odisha girls coach Chaudhury Parthasarathi Mohapatra was jubilant. “Last time we lost to them. This time the instruction was clear that play without any pressure. We have a good bunch of junior and senior players. I am really thrilled that our team beat the formidable Maharashtra,” he said. 

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“This is a historic performance by our girls. They have shown immense determination and skill. We won gold two years ago and we’re back on top. The Odisha Government has been giving us great support, and this result is a testament to that,” he  added

In contrast, the boys’ final followed a different script. Odisha’s boys, despite a strong start, couldn’t keep pace with the experienced Maharashtra team and eventually lost 34-25, securing the silver medal.

The Results:

Girls (final): Odisha beat Maharashtra 34-31. Bronze medals: Punjab and Delhi.

Boys(final): Maharashtra beat Odisah34-25; Bronze medals: Karnataka and Punjab.