Mumbai: Hosts Mumbai emerged champions in the Under-21 girls’ category of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Cup State-Level Volleyball Tournament jointly organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services and the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council at the Badlapur Gymkhana ground.
Mumbai defeated defending champions Nashik after losing the opening set to secure a memorable 16-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21 victory in the final.
Shivpriya Panikkar, Divya Mehta and Vedika Samgir delivered standout performances and played decisive roles in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign.
However, Mumbai’s hopes of completing a double triumph ended in the Under-21 boys’ final, where Latur defeated the hosts 25-16, 15-25, 25-21, 25-19.
Nirbhay Deshmukh, Shehraj Khan and Aftab Qureshi starred for Latur, helping the team clinch the championship title for the third time.
In the Under-18 boys’ category, Kolhapur defeated Nagpur in a thrilling five-set final 23-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-12.
Vaibhav Dhage, Utkarsh Patil, Sanjog Patil and Junaid Sheikh played key roles for Kolhapur in the deciding set, while guidance from international mentor Ajit Patil also proved crucial.
In the Under-18 girls’ category, Pune defeated Nagpur 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 in a one-sided final.
Sakshi Salunkhe, Vaishnavi Adalinge and Shreya Chavan produced excellent performances to guide Pune to the title.
The finals, which continued till 2:30 am, witnessed enthusiastic support from Badlapur spectators.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Kisan Kathore, Kulgaon-Badlapur Mayor Ruchita Ghorpade, Corporator Kiran Bhoir, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services (Mumbai Division) Navnath Fartade and District Sports Officer Suvarna Bartakke.
