Odisha won its first-ever medal in Senior National Kho-Kho Championship, bagging bronze in the 53rd edition of the event, wchich was held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh from 26 to 30 December, 2019. Odisha clinched the medal by defeating Kolhapur 11-9 in the third-place match.

Earlier, Odisha lost to Airport Authority of India 4-8 in their semifinal match.The 12-member Odisha women team reached the last-four stage for the first time with wins over Kerala and Punjab.

Spearheaded by top-scorer Sasmita Natha Sharma, Odisha beat Kerala 11-9 and Punjab 9-6. Earlier at the league stage, Odisha prevailed over Chhattisgarh 12-7 and West Bengal 17-7.

ODISHA WOMEN TEAM: Sasmita Natha Sharma, Sabila Khatun, Mandakini Majhi, Subnam Khatun, Madhusmita Ojha, Magai Majhi, Asha Marandi, Priyanka Singh, Sibani Gamango, Ranjit Barik, Subhashree Sing, Archana Majhi. Coach: Prashant Mallick; Manager: Elina Khuntia.
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PHOTO: Players and officials of Odisha women’s team pose with the third-place trophy and medal in Raipur on 30 December, 2019.