Air-India score massive win

Heavyweights Air India and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited entered the semis in the men’s section of the Mumbai Mayor Cup Kabaddi tournament beating Sai Academy (37-17) and Bank of India (19-2) respectively. In the women’s section Dr. Shirodkar Sports Club and Shivshakti had to fight it out before prevailing over Shivaji Uday from Satara at 29-27 and Amar Hind Mandal at 14-7 respectively. In the round of four,Air India meet Mumbai Police and BPCL take on Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers. Dr. Shirodkar had a compararively easy outing against Mahatma Gandhi Sports Academy whereas Shivshakti who have world cup winner Suvarna Bartakke in their ranks will have to quell the challenge of Veermat Jijau comprising mostly of players from the city police.

Air India led by the burly Asian Games gold medalist Gaurav Shetty and international Manoj Kumar were up 16-7 at half-time against Sai Academy and continued to accumulate points to run out comfortable victors. Shivraj Yadav and Tejas Darade fought a losing battle for Sai Academy. BPCL were too strong for Bank of India who conceded the tie a little after half-time. NItin Madne and Neelesh Shinde were in their elements which helped BPCL finish the argument prematurely.

In the other quarter finals,Mumbai Police beat their Thane counterparts 25-19 and RCF beat BMC 38-19. Internationals Meghali Korgaonkar and Snehal Salunkhe were responsible for Dr. Shirodkar’s narrow victory over Shivaji Uday for whom Rubina Sheikh and Rutuja Mohite failed to throw in the towel till the last minute. Sayali Nagvekar and Sapna Patil did enough for Shivshakti to move into the next round.