How Did Karnataka Girls and Uttar Pradesh Boys Shine in the KIYG 2025 Basketball Finals?
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Synopsis
Witness the thrilling climax of the basketball finals at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, where Karnataka girls and Uttar Pradesh boys exhibited remarkable talent and determination. With contrasting styles, both teams emerged victorious, claiming gold medals and leaving a lasting impression. Discover the key moments and standout players that defined this exciting championship.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka girls demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the competition.
- Uttar Pradesh boys showed resilience and strategic scoring at crucial moments.
- Key players emerged as significant contributors to their team's success.
- The importance of free throws and minimizing fouls was highlighted in the boys' final.
- Regional pride was evident as both teams represented their states with great honor.
Patna, May 15 (NationPress) Karnataka girls and Uttar Pradesh boys secured their hard-earned gold medals in the basketball competition at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, held at the Patliputra Sports Complex Indoor Stadium on Thursday, albeit in distinctly different manners.
The Karnataka girls showcased their overall dominance against Haryana throughout the final match. In contrast, the boys’ final was a fiercely contested battle, with both teams evenly matched. Uttar Pradesh's knack for scoring during critical moments allowed them to fend off a determined challenge from Rajasthan.
The exceptional shooting prowess of Nidhi Umesh was complemented by captain Nidhi Srinivas, who also played a pivotal role as a playmaker with her lay-up shots. Mahek Sharma made significant contributions with 21 rebounds—7 of which were offensive—and also scored, further solidifying Karnataka's performance.
On the other hand, Haryana relied heavily on a few key players. Captain Kafi took on a substantial burden, creating scoring opportunities while also contributing points. Bhumi Kataria was another offensive asset for Haryana, but the team struggled with low shooting accuracy and lacked depth on the bench.
The Uttar Pradesh boys excelled in teamwork, with Sanjay Mahakumbh and Anuj Divakar rising to the occasion by scoring crucial points. In a pivotal moment, Mahakumbh stole the ball and scored right at the end of the third quarter, giving Uttar Pradesh a narrow lead of 47-44 over Rajasthan.
As the final quarter unfolded, both of Uttar Pradesh’s stars landed three-pointers, making it increasingly difficult for Rajasthan to close the gap. Additionally, Rajasthan's players committed too many fouls, allowing Uttar Pradesh to capitalize on free throws, which ultimately influenced the match's outcome.
Rajasthan had to settle for silver for the second consecutive year, having previously lost to Tamil Nadu in Chennai. The team lacked consistent players who could step up during critical moments and improve their scoring percentage.
Results-
Boys (final): Uttar Pradesh 68 (Anuj Divakar 19, Jatin 17, Sanjay Mahakumbh 15) defeated Rajasthan 57 (Lokesh Kumar Sharma 16, Chetan 11). Half-time: 31-30. Bronze medal playoff: Tamil Nadu triumphed over Delhi 90-69.
Girls (final): Karnataka 86 (Nidhi Umesh 27, Mahek Sharma 21, Nidhi Srinivas 17, Shravani Shivanna 10) overcame Haryana 61 (Kafi 22, Bhumi Kataria 22, Vaishnavi 13). Half time: 46-25. Bronze medal playoff: Punjab defeated Maharashtra 68-63.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of regional representation in national sports events like the Khelo India Youth Games. The exceptional performances by the teams from Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh not only highlight the growing talent pool in Indian basketball but also inspire future generations to pursue sports with passion and dedication. Our commitment to showcasing these narratives aligns with our goal of promoting sportsmanship and unity across the nation.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams won the gold medals in the KIYG 2025 basketball competition?
The gold medals were won by the Karnataka girls and Uttar Pradesh boys in the KIYG 2025 basketball competition.
What was the final score of the girls' basketball match?
Karnataka girls defeated Haryana with a final score of 86-61.
Who were the standout players for the Karnataka girls?
Star players for Karnataka included Nidhi Umesh, Mahek Sharma, and Nidhi Srinivas.
How did Uttar Pradesh boys secure their victory?
Uttar Pradesh boys secured their victory through teamwork and crucial scoring moments, particularly from Sanjay Mahakumbh and Anuj Divakar.
What challenges did Haryana face in the girls' final?
Haryana struggled with low shooting accuracy and a lack of bench strength in the girls' final.
