In a gripping finale that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Chandigarh clinched the boys’ title at the 43rd Junior National Softball Championship, defeating Madhya Pradesh 4–2 in a thrilling contest at Panjab University on Monday. The five-day tournament, hosted by the Chandigarh Softball Association, saw participation from 22 states across India.
The championship match saw a stellar performance by Chandigarh’s pitcher Chaitanya, whose pinpoint accuracy neutralized the MP attack. Key offensive contributions came from Swastik and Aman, propelling the home team to victory.
Despite a spirited fightback by Madhya Pradesh's Sakalp and Vickey, the visitors fell short in the final innings. With this win, Chandigarh secured the top spot, while Madhya Pradesh finished runner-up, and Maharashtra claimed third place after a strong showing throughout the tournament.
The award ceremony was graced by top dignitaries including Rajeev Verma (IAS), Chief Secretary of UT Administration, and Prerna Puri (IAS), Sports Secretary, who felicitated the winning teams. Dr. Dharampal (IAS), President of the Chandigarh Softball Association and former Advisor to the UT Administrator, presided over the event.
Also present were notable personalities such as Arun Raghav (Mahindra & Mahindra Swaraj Division), Deepak Bhatt (General Manager, SBI), and senior officials from Panjab University. In the girls’ final, Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious over Haryana with a narrow 3–2 win, while Chhattisgarh secured third place.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Rajeev Verma announced that Chandigarh would soon become a regular host for national and international sporting events, backed by a robust sports policy for young talent. Dr. Dharampal emphasized continued support for sports development and encouraged athletes to make the most of the facilities and policies now in place.
The 43rd edition of the championship not only showcased intense competition but also highlighted the growing stature of softball in India, with Chandigarh once again proving its prowess in the sport.