SANGLI defeated Kolhapur in opening match of the Late Bhai Nerurkar Maharashtra State Kho-kho Championship that got under way at Samarth Stadium, Chitnis Park, Mahal on Wednesday. Sangl pipped Kolhapur 17-16 in a thrilling contest. The five-day event, hosted by Government of Maharashtra, is a joint venture of Nagpur District Administration, Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Vidarbha Kho-kho Association.

The event was inaugurated by lighting the games flame and hoisting of the flag. MLA Mohan Mate, MLC Pravin Datke, MLA Vikas Kumbhare, former MLC’s Anil Sole, Girish Vyas, District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Deputy Director Sports Shekhar Patil, DSO Pallavi Dhatrak, NMC Sports Officer Dr Piyush Ambulkar and Vidarbha Kho-kho Association Secretary Sudhir Nimbalkar were among those who graced the opening ceremony.

As many as 680 players, coaches, managers, about hundred members of different kho-kho associations and officials are involved.

In a first, all the participating players are insured for Rs 2 lakh each for one year. In the six-event tourney, cash prize of Rs 23 lakh and 26 thousand is up for grabs. Patil made introductory remarks while Nimbalkar proposed a vote of thanks.