Maharashtra (women) and Andhra Pradesh (men) were crowned champions in the 44th All India Softball Championships. The five-day national championship, held at Talabania Sports Complex in Puri, concluded on Thursday. Punjab finished runners-up in both categories. The organisers informed that 26 men’s and 24 women’s teams participated in the championship.
In the men’s final, Andhra Pradesh beat Punjab 1-0 to lift the trophy. Chhattisgarh finished in third place and received the bronze medal. Kerala were awarded the bronze medal in the women’s category.
In the men’s category, the individual award winners were: Punjab’s Suresh (Best Pitcher), champion Andhra’s Ram Baboo (Best Catcher) and Sagar Baboo (Best Player).
In the women’s category, Maharashtra’s Swapnali Bhaitandu was conferred the Best Pitcher award, while her teammate Aishwarya Poorie won the Best Catcher prize. Manpreet Singh of Punjab was adjudged the Best Player among women.
