Nagpur: The Mumbai City team in the men’s category and the Mumbai Suburban team in the women’s category secured victories in their respective semifinals on Monday to enter the finals of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Cup State-Level Kabaddi Tournament, being held at the Sevanand School ground in Koradi.
In the men’s semifinal, Mumbai City defeated Ahilyanagar 30–26 by a margin of four points to reach the final. For the winning side, Sushant Sahil and Omkar Rane performed exceptionally well, while Saurabh Raut and Ajit Pawar stood out for Ahilyanagar.
In the women’s semifinal, Mumbai Suburban registered a narrow 24–22 victory over Pune district. Yashika Pujari excelled for Mumbai Suburban, while Mansi Rode delivered a strong performance for Pune.
The tournament is being organised by the State Sports Directorate, in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Association Vidarbha and Nagpur Rural.
The event witnessed the special presence of noted film actor Riteish Deshmukh. Dignitaries on the dais included State Revenue Minister and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLA Sameer Meghe, Mayor Neeta Thakre, former MP Navneet Rana, Bigg Boss winner actress Megha Dhade, Jyoti Bawankule, Payal Ashtankar, Sudhakar Kohale, Anil Nidan, president of Nagpur Rural Kabaddi Association Sanket Bawankule, Deputy Director of Sports Pallavi Dhatrak, and Rural Superintendent of Police Harsh Potdar, among others. Riteish Deshmukh was felicitated with a ceremonial mace.
Felicitation of former legends
Former international players including Nita Dadwe, Pyarelal Pawar, Aslam Imandar, Shashank Wankhede, Bunty Darekar, Aarti Bari, and Arya Nandanwar were also felicitated during the ceremony.