Telugu Yoddhas – the GMR Group owned Kho Kho franchise in the Ultimate Kho Kho today wrapped up their league stage campaign with a smashing 65-36 win over second-placed Odisha Juggernauts. The Defenders for Telugu Yoddhas played a defining role today as the team representing the Telugu speaking region of India with the help of a massive 29-point win, crushed Odisha Juggernauts hopes of taking the top spot in the final game of the league stage today.
Telugu Yoddhas who took the mat with a few fresh faces, showcased an excellent balance in their Attack and Defense, while finishing their league stage at the third place with 19 points from six wins in the inaugural season of the Ultimate Kho-Kho League.
Telugu Yoddhas now face Chennai Quick Guns in the Eliminator on 2nd September 2022 at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune. The match will be broadcast LIVE & Exclusive on Sony Sports Network and will be LIVE streamed on the SonyLIV platform 7:30 PM onwards.
Indian Cricketer & Delhi Capitals team member Prithvi Shaw was also present on the occasion to support Telugu Yoddhas and watch the game. Dhruv of Telugu Yoddhas was awarded the Best Attacker of the game while Prithvi Shaw from the GMR family presented the Ultimate Kho of the match award to Jagannath Murmu of Odisha Juggernauts. Gujinder Singh of Odisha Juggernauts was awarded Best Defender award.
Telugu Yoddhas performance apart from the Defenders shining bright was laced with 3 pointers all through out. While Turn 1 saw Telugu Yoddhas start like usual with a series of 3-pointers, the Odisha Juggernauts halted their flow with 10 Dream Run points. However, Telugu Yoddhas came back strong with the help of 3-pointers as they wrapped up the turn with a 18-10 lead over Odisha Juggernauts.
In the second turn, Telugu Yoddhas took over the game with their outstanding defense where the first batch raced ahead with 10 Dream Run points while just allowing Odisha Juggernauts to earn 9 attack points. Turn 2 came to an end with the score line reading 28-26 with Telugu Yoddhas maintaining their lead.
In turn 3, Telugu Yoddhas went all out and dominated the turn from the beginning, taking back-to-back 3 pointers while adding onto their lead and not giving away any points to the Odisha Juggernauts Defenders. Telugu Yoddhas by the end of turn 3 created a heavy lead over the Odisha Juggernauts as the scoreline read 55-26 to the former's favour.
The final turn saw Telugu Yoddhas sealing the game to their name in style. Rokeson Singh and Sadanand Meitei outshone Odisha Juggernauts attackers earning 10 Dream Run points thereby helping Telugu Yoddhas finish their last league game with a massive 65-36 win.
“We took the mat with the aim to win and I am very happy that we finished our league stage defeating a strong team like Odisha Juggernauts. I am glad that the team performed as per the plans and I am sure moving into the eliminators now, the boys will be energized and eager to better their performance so far,” said Sumit Bhatia, Head Coach, Telugu Yoddhas after the match.
