Mysuru: The University of Mysore (UoM) men’s kho-kho team, for the first time since the South Zone Inter University competitions started in 2010-11, won the title. The players, under the watchful eyes of coach M L Gopinath and other senior kho-kho players, underwent practice for more than 30 days, unlike earlier, when they used to train for just 10 days before the competition.
Last year, they stood third in the South Zone Inter University competition and lost in the quarters in the All India Inter University Competition. In the South Zone Inter University though, UoM has consistently remained at the top but, this is the first time it has emerged as the south zone champ.
P Krishnaiah, Director (In-charge), Department of Physical Education, University of Mysore said, “Usually prior to the start of the event, the shortlisted and selected players used to undergo practice for 10 days but, this year as we are conducting the South Zone Inter University we had instructed the players to train more so that they can do well on their home grounds. I hope they continue to do well in the All India Inter University competition which will be held from January 22 to 24.”
Speaking to Newskarnataka, M L Gopinath, coach of UoM’s kho-kho team (men) said, “It was a team effort and they played according to my expectations. Going by the performance of our players, if we fine tune on building combinations, I am confident that we will do well in the All India Inter University competition.” He also appreciated Madhu and Sudheena for their outstanding performance during the South Zone Inter University competition.
All India Inter University competition from January 22 to 24:
Sixteen teams, four top teams from each zone-South, North, East and West zones will be seen in action during the three-day All India Inter University competition. The teams have been divided into four groups comprising four teams each which will be playing the league matches. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals which will be played on knock-out basis. The UoM team is in pool B. Some of the All India matches will also be played under lights. The inauguration will be held at the University of Mysore hockey ground on January 22 at 8.30 AM, D Randeep, Deputy Commissioner will be the chief guest. The finals will be held on January 24.
The Winning UoM Kho Kho team:
T Praveen Kumar, S C Dileep Kumar, J S Kirana, B R Bharath, H R Manu, Sudarshan, A V Madhu, Prasanna, S Akhilesh, Vishnu, K Nuthan, P N Kiran Kumar. Coach–M L Gopinath and Manager–T R Mahendra Kumar.
