Jodhpur, November 30: Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj University’s men staged a remarkable comeback to edge past the University of Bengal 3–2, keeping their Group C hopes alive in the fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games at the Chainpura Indoor Stadium today. Jain University also kept its campaign on track with a thrilling victory over CT University from Punjab. Both encounters went down to the wire, keeping the competition wide open and promising more nail-biting finishes as the tournament progresses.

For the Nagpur side, Aadi Chitnis and Aarush Galpalli were the standout performers—especially Aadi, who clinched both his matches with authority. He defeated Saptashawa Chakraborty 11–9, 9–11, 11–3, 11–7, and then outplayed Vinit Pradhan 11–8, 11–3, 11–7 to provide the crucial momentum.

Yeshwant P redeemed himself in a tense five-game decider, overcoming Harkunwar Singh 9–11, 6–11, 13–11, 11–4, 11–8 to seal the match for Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj University.

In the Jain University fixture, K.J. Akash beat Aarjav Gupta—who had earlier defeated Yeshwant in the opening rubber—13–11, 11–9, 11–7, giving the Bengaluru side a much-needed lifeline.

Earlier, Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) edged past the University of Rajasthan 3-2 after a tense battle. LNMU took a 2-0 lead with wins by Ananya Santra and Diksha Biswas over Sunidhi Dewan and Nandini Nagori. Rajasthan rallied as Anuskha Acharya crushed Ritika Gupta 11-2, 11-3, 11-2, and Nandini levelled the score by beating Ananya 8-11, 11-5, 13-11, 11-7. Diksha then sealed victory for LNMU, defeating Sunidhi 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-9. Earlier, Ananya had swept Sunidhi 11-8, 11-4, 11-4, and Diksha dominated Nandini 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.

In the same group, SRM’s Kavyashree Baskar beat Panjab University’s Pelf 11-5, 12-10, 11-6. Pranati P. Nair came from behind to edge Swetapadma Dalai 6-11, 13-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9, while Thanuna N.B. overcame Neha Singh 5-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-7.

Chitkara University blanked Veer Narmad South Gujarat University 3-0, while Admas University (West Bengal) recorded an identical win over Anna University (Tamil Nadu).

In Group C, Osmania University blanked Jadavpur University 3–0, while Chandigarh University recorded an identical 3–0 victory over SNDT Women’s University. In Group D, the University of Calcutta earned a 3–1 triumph over Savitribai Phule Pune University. Arisa Das set the tone with a gritty five-set win against Aboli P. Kulkarni, followed by Mahek Das, who cruised past Sanskruta V. Thakur in straight sets. Although Vaishnavi Devgade pulled one back for Savitribai with a narrow five-game victory over Ratnabali Pathak, Ratnabali redeemed herself in the fourth rubber, sweeping Aboli 3–0 to clinch the tie for Calcutta. Meanwhile, Delhi University fell 3–0 to Jain University.

In the men’s division, the competition opened with some dominant performances across four groups. In Group A, Chitkara University paddlers showcased their strength with a commanding 3–0 victory over Jadavpur University, while Veer Narmad South Gujarat University matched that intensity, sweeping past VELS University with an identical 3–0 scoreline. Both teams demonstrated impressive coordination and control, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting group stage.

Meanwhile, Group B saw similar one-sided affairs, as Chandigarh University eased past the University of Calcutta 3–0, and the University of Madras overpowered Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 3–0.

Results: (All 1st Round):

Men:

Group A: Chitkara University bt Jadavpur University 3-0; Veer Narmad SG University bt VELS University 3-0.

Group B: Chandigarh University bt University of Calcutta 3-0; University of Madras bt Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 3-0.

Group C: Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj University bt University of North Bengal 3-2; Jain University bt CT University 3-2.

Group D: Adamas University bt Devi Ahilya Bai University 3-0; SRM University bt Punjabi University 3-1.

Women:

Group A: Lalit Narayan Mithla University bt University of Rajasthan 3-2; SRM University bt Panjab University 3-0.

Group B: Chitkara University bt Veer Narmad SG University 3-0; Admas University bt Anna University 3-0.

Group C: Osmania University bt Jadavpur University 3-0; Chandigarh University bt SNDT Women’s University 3-0;

Group D: University of Calcutta bt Savitribai Phule University 3-1; Jain University bt Delhi University 3-0.