Koel emerged champions in the 3rd Odisha Women Kabaddi Premier League, dethroning two-time title winners Kuakhai by a solitary point (24-23) in the thrilling final here at Patia today. The champion team received a cash prize of Rs 20,000, while the runners-up side took home Rs 15,000.
Earlier in the semifinals, Koel beat Kharashrota 31-14, while Kuakhai humbled Kolab 50-22. World Cupper and newly married Odisha star Rasmita Sahoo was the captain of the Kuakhai team. The tournament, featuring six teams and 72 players, was organised by Patiagarh Sports Club (PSC), under the aegis of Odisha Kabaddi Association (OKA).
Odisha Sports & Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Bhubaneswar North MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, city Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, OKA secretary Ajay Behera, PSC vice-chairman Mihir Kumar Rout, chief coordinator Ajay Rout, team owners Nirmal Maharana (Kaberi), Sagar Rout (Kathajodi), Kuna Rout (Kolab), Avishek Champati (Kharashrota), Subash Chandra Parida (Kuakhai) and Milan Kumar Rout (Koel).