GUWAHATI: The Indian women's and men's Kho Kho teams earned their places in the finals with commanding victories over South Africa.
In the women's semifinal, the "Women in Blue" delivered a stellar performance, defeating South Africa 66-16. Their victory set up an exciting final clash against Nepal, who advanced after a resounding 89-18 win over Uganda.
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India started strong, with Chaithra B leading a "Dream Run" despite losing Nazia Bibi and Nirmala Bhati to South Africa's defenders. Chaithra secured 5 crucial points before being eliminated by Sinethemba Mosia, putting India just behind South Africa's 8 points at the end of Turn 1.
Turn 2 saw Reshma shine as the Indian women dismantled South Africa’s defense, scoring consistently to establish a 33-10 lead. Vaishnavi Powar, Nasreen Shaikh, and Bhilardevi dominated in Turn 3 with a 5-minute Dream Run, stretching the score to 38-16. South Africa struggled in Turn 4, with their longest batch lasting just 1 minute and 45 seconds, as India sealed their spot in the final.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's team overcame a spirited South African side with a 62-42 victory. Despite South Africa's strong start in Turn 1, where they limited Indian stars Pratik Waikar and Aditya Ganpule, the Men in Blue gradually turned the tide.
In Turn 2, India’s attackers, led by Nikhil B, clawed their way back into the game. Aditya Ganpule and Gowtham M's dynamic play ensured India closed the gap, with the score standing at 24-20.
Turn 3 posed challenges as South Africa’s Khozi led an aggressive attack, forcing India to go ALL OUT within 2 minutes. South Africa extended their lead to 42-28 by the end of the turn.
However, India mounted an impressive comeback in Turn 4. Akash Kumar and skipper Pratik Waikar delivered critical points, with Waikar executing a spectacular sky dive to neutralize South Africa's Khozi. Mehul's decisive moves sealed the game, as India surged past their opponents to secure a place in the final.
Both Indian teams now look forward to the final clashes, with hopes of claiming championship glory.