Bhubaneshwar
The stage is set for Season 2 of Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), with young talents dominating the players’ draft. Six franchises selected 145 players, with an impressive 33 falling within the age range of 16 to 18 years old. The draft featured a total of 290 players from 18 states, and franchises spent Rs 3.9 crore, including retaining 18 players. Star players like Vijay Hajare, Adhithya Ganpule, and Laxman Gawas were among the first picks for Rajasthan Warriors, Telugu Yoddhas, and Chennai Quick Guns, respectively. Retained players received Rs 6 lakh each, and franchises picked their remaining players from four categories—A (Rs 5 lakh), B (Rs 3 lakh), C (Rs 1.5 lakh), and D (Rs 1 lakh). Gujarat Giants and Rajasthan Warriors drafted 25 and 22 players, respectively, completing their squads. Maharashtra’s Mahesh Shinde became the first pick of the draft for the second consecutive season, joining Mumbai Khiladis, who also retained Gajanan Shengal and Sreejesh S. Mumbai Khiladis focused on young talent, securing the services of 16-year-old Sunil Patra from Odisha. Chennai Quick Guns and Rajasthan Warriors drafted 17-year-olds M Mugilan from Puducherry and Ganesh Borkar from Maharashtra, respectively. Defending champions Odisha Juggernauts aimed for a balance of youth and experience in their selections, ensuring a strong squad for the upcoming season. The draft showcased a strategic mix of promising youngsters and seasoned players as teams prepare for an exciting Season 2 of Ultimate Kho Kho.
