Sangharsh Mandal, Shri Swami Samarth begin with wins in kabaddi trials
Sangharsh Mandal, Shri Swami Samarth and others won their opening matches as the junior kabaddi trials began in Bhiwandi's Kalher.
The Thane District Kabaddi Association, with help from Vijay Mandal, has organised a junior category kabaddi tournament at Vijay Mandal's ground in Kalher, Bhiwandi. League matches are underway, and Sangharsh Mandal, Ujala, Radical Sports, Om Sangh and Shri Swami Samarth won their opening matches to start the tournament with victories.
Jai Bajrang of Vashind, however, won both its matches to book a direct spot in the knockout round. In group A of the junior category, Sangharsh Mohane defeated Griffin Gym 25-24 in a close contest. Sangharsh led 12-9 at halftime and played cautiously to seal the tight win. Harsh Salunkhe and Manthan Sonkar delivered the victory with composed and tactical play. On the other side, Griffin's Ashish Dhanawade and Shreyas Pawar put up a strong fight till the last moment, making the match a thrilling one.
In a group D match, Ujala, trailing 5-11 after the first half, staged a strong comeback in the second half to beat Vasco Sports 18-15. The Chaudhary brothers, Javed and Ejaz, played a big role in the win with their aggressive game. Vasco's Mayuresh Wagh and Sujal Gaikar fell short in the second half and could not make up the deficit.
In group C, Om Sangh defeated Chhatrapati Shahu 27-22. Yagnesh Bhopi and Prasad secured the win with their raiding and holding. Chhatrapati Shahu's Sugandh Rajbhar put up a strong solo fight, but the rest of the team fell short in support. In group E, Radical Sports beat Om Vartak Thane 29-25. Sai Thakur and Yash Mhatre played well for the winning side, while Yash Kadam and Sarthak Khade stood out for the losing team.
On its way to the knockout round, Jai Bajrang beat Veer Tanaji 36-15 in its first match and Balgopal Mandal 36-18 in its second. The all-round play of Nehala Gaikar, Ashish Sutar and Jayesh Gaikwad made both wins easy. In group J, Shri Vitthal Mandal also won two matches to reach the knockout round. Shri Vitthal first beat Vetal Mandal 28-26 and then defeated Vishwavidhata Mandal 30-9. The play of Nilesh Mandge, Kartik Bate, Umakant Khade and Omkar made both wins possible, and both teams have confirmed their place in the knockout round.
