A Landmark Day for The Global Growth of Kho Kho in World

The Maharashtra team emerged as the undisputed champion at the 56th National Kho Kho Championship 2023-24, clinching both the men’s and women’s titles. The championship was held at Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium and the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

The four-day event was held in Assam’s Tamulpur, a semi-rural venue unlike the urban settings for the first three editions of the championship

38th Junior Nationals 2018 at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) from 2nd to 6th December 2018. Coaching Camp conducted for Boys at Wilsongarden, Hombegowdanagar, Kho Kho Stadium, Bengaluru and Girls at Kurubur T-Narisipura Tq. from 21st to 29th November 2018, Boys Secured 3rd Place, Girls 2nd Place. Sri. K.R. Rajagopal provided Uniforms for the teams.

Celebrating the spirit of Kho Kho, a game of teamwork, strategy, and agility Wishing a Happy National International Kho Kho Day to all

Celebrating the spirit of Kho Kho, a game of teamwork, strategy, and agility Wishing a Happy National International Kho Kho Day to all

I still remember the day I first picked up the ball and stepped onto the field, unsure of what lay ahead. Growing up in Dighi, a small suburb of Pune, I faced a steep uphill climb...
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New Delhi, March 8 On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Indian women’s kho kho team captain Priyanka Ingle reflected on her journey from setbacks to glory in the sport...


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Kho Kho has become a powerful platform for challenging conventions and demonstrating not just skill but also the ability to dominate in arenas historically reserved for men

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One of India's most prestigious Kho-Kho tournaments, the 57th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship will be held from 31st March to 5th April 2025 at the District Sports Complex, Puri, Odisha

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Puri (Odisha). The 57th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship, one of the most prestigious Kho-Kho tournaments in India, will be held from March 31 to April 5 at the District Sports Complex in Puri

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The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, one of India’s most prestigious Kho Kho tournaments, is set to take place from March 31 to April 5, 2025, at the District Sports Complex, Puri.

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Fixtures of 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship 2024-25 Click Here

Puri, April…:

The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship sets new benchmarks with the highest-ever participation, an exclusive mat event, and a strong emphasis on technology-driven innovations, making it a standout edition among national tournaments.

“40 Men and 40 Women Teams would contest making it an event with the highest participation from teams in the history of Kho Kho Nationals. Further, Odisha bags the credit for being the first state where all the scheduled matches in the Nationals will be played exclusively on Mat,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) while addressing a presser here on Sunday.

Furthermore, a Decision Review System (DRS) has also been introduced for the first time in the Kho Kho Nationals for the matches being played in quarter-finals, semifinals, and finals. Also, the format of matches is the same as that in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

The 5-day Championship, which kicked off on March 31 and will run until April 4 at the District Sports Complex, is witnessing intense competition among teams from 30 states, along with premier Institutional squads such as the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Maharashtra Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Karnataka Police, All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Railways. The event is being telecast live on DD Sports.

“For the first time, the eight teams reaching the quarterfinals will be felicitated,” added Mittal. Also present at the press conference were MS Tyagi, General Secretary of KKFI, Pradyumna Mishra, Secretary of the Odisha Kho Kho Association, former Puri MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi, and other dignitaries.

With a total of 190 matches—including 160 league and 30 knockout games—the championship holds special significance as the first major national event following the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held in January in New Delhi. The global tournament featured 39 teams from 23 countries across six continents, where India asserted its dominance by securing victory in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Puri, 31 March

The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship commenced with grandeur at the District Sports Complex, as both the men’s and women’s teams marched past to the stirring tune of the India’s patriotic song “Saare Jahan Se Achha” Taking place from March 31 to April 4, this edition marks a historic milestone in Kho Kho Nationals, being the first to feature all matches played on mats.

With 40 men’s and 40 women’s teams competing, it also boasts the highest team participation in the tournament’s history. The ceremony witnessed a vibrant cultural spectacle, with artists in colorful traditional attire captivating the audience with enthralling folk dance performances.

Dignitaries present on the occasion included the President of Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, General Secretary KKFI Shri M.S. Tyagi, Odisha Kho Kho Association Secretary Shri Pradyumna Mishra, and Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, along with other officials and eminent guests. A highlight of the event was the display of magnificent championship trophies for the winning men’s and women’s teams.

The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony was led by Sudhanshu Mittal and other dignitaries, marking the official commencement of the championship.

“Within just 20 days, we have successfully organized the Nationals in Puri. I thank all including KKFI President Mittal Ji and others for making it possible,” said Pradyumna Mishra in his welcome address.

Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, said, “I have been a handball player and have competed at the district, state, and national levels. Kho Kho is all about teamwork and team spirit. The Nationals of any sport serve as a platform where states build relationships with one another. I wish all the players the very best and hope they excel in sports and in their life.” During the ceremony, KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal felicitated dignitaries, eminent guests, coaches, and representatives from various state federations with shawls and commemorative shields. Expressing his gratitude, M.S. Tyagi extended appreciation to all organizers, officials, team members, and state federation representatives, with a special mention of the players’ relentless dedication and hard work.

In his address, Shri Sudhanshu Mittal reaffirmed the global aspirations of Kho Kho, stating,“Everyone associated with Kho Kho is part of one family. The sport is leaving its imprint worldwide, with the Kho Kho World Cup in India giving it a new identity. We are committed to securing Kho Kho’s inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games by 2030 and the Olympics by 2032. This will only be possible through the dedication, skill, and perseverance of our players, who are taking Kho Kho to new heights.”

On Day 1, 56 matches were scheduled including both the Men and Women in various groups. With 40 men’s and 40 women’s teams, this championship records the highest participation in Kho Kho Nationals' history.

A total of 190 matches—including 160 league and 30 knockout games—are scheduled for the championship. This event holds special significance as the first major national-level tournament following the 2025 Kho Kho World Cup, held in January in New Delhi. The global competition saw 39 teams from 23 countries across six continents, with India emerging victorious in both men’s and women’s categories.

Puri, April 1

The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, currently underway in District Sports Complex Puri, has witnessed an action-packed schedule with over 90 exhilarating matches played within the first two days. Over 30 intense matches were played on the opening day, followed by around 50 gripping encounters on the second day. The competition is intensifying as teams battle for a place in the pre-quarter and quarter-finals on April 3, leading up to the highly anticipated semi-finals and finals on April 4.

Among the standout performances, N. Elli Devi from Manipur stunned the audience with her exceptional attack and defense skills during the Manipur vs. West Bengal clash in the women’s category. Likewise, Meenu from Haryana displayed an outstanding performance in the Haryana vs. Jharkhand match. The championship is further elevated by the presence of star players who have previously showcased their prowess on the international stage, including Kho Kho World Cup 2025 participants Pratik Vaikar, Suyash Gargate, and Priyanka Ingle from Maharashtra, Monika from Bihar, Pabani Sabar, Magai Manjhi, and Subhashree Singh from Odisha, Mehul from Delhi, Aakash from Uttar Pradesh, Sachin Bhargo from Madhya Bharat, and Ramji Kashyap from Indian Railways, among others.

This edition of the championship is historic, marking the highest-ever participation in the tournament’s history, with 40 men’s and 40 women’s teams competing for glory. Additionally, for the first time, all matches are being played exclusively on a mat, bringing a modern touch to the traditional sport. The introduction of a Decision Review System (DRS) further enhances the championship’s technological edge, ensuring fair and transparent officiating.

Puri (Odisha), April 4: The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship concluded in Puri today with Maharashtra clinching the Women’s Championship title after a nail-biting encounter against host Odisha, while Railways emerged victorious in the Men’s category, defeating defending champions Maharashtra in an electrifying contest.

Women’s Final: Maharashtra Edge Past Odisha in a Thriller

In the women’s final, Maharashtra edged past Odisha 25-21 in a high-octane contest. Odisha won the toss and chose to defend first, but Maharashtra launched a strong attack, restricting the hosts to just 2 dream run points. When it was Maharashtra’s turn to defense, they fielded a solid trio comprising captain Ashwini Shinde, Priyanka Ingle, and Sandhya Survase. Ashwini Shinde’s performance stood out as she held her ground impressively until the final 2 minutes and 50 seconds of the first inning.

At the end of the first inning, the scores were tied at 10-10, raising the stakes for the second half. In the second inning, Odisha’s defenders struggled to resist Maharashtra’s aggressive gameplay, with six defenders being ousted in quick succession. When Maharashtra returned to defend, Sampada More put on a stellar performance, holding her ground effectively and ensuring her team maintained the lead till the end, securing the victory at 25-21. The match featured several thrilling moments, including a remarkable skydive by Odisha’s Magai Majhi near the pole to dismiss Maharashtra’s Reshma Rathod, and a courageous dream run point earned by Archana Majhi, who stood her ground after teammates Archana Pradhan and Ananya Pradhan were dismissed.

Men’s Final: Railways Stun Maharashtra to Clinch Title

In the men’s final, Railways delivered a commanding performance to defeat defending champions Maharashtra 36-27. Maharashtra won the toss and chose to defend first, but the Railways’ attackers launched a relentless offensive, ousting nine defenders with a minute still remaining in the turn. By the end of the first turn of the first inning, ten Maharashtra defenders had been dismissed, giving Railways a commanding 20-0 lead. When Maharashtra came in to attack, Railways’ Rahul Mandal earned a dream run point, keeping the pressure on the opposition. In the second inning, Railways continued their dominance with a powerful attack, extending the lead to 35-13. During their final defensive turn, they showcased discipline and resilience, ultimately sealing the championship at 36-27. Notable moments included Ramji Kashyap’s outstanding defensive maneuvers, Railways’ captain Mahesh Shinde’s remarkable endurance on the field and holding the ground for an extended period, and Maharashtra’s Rudra Thopate executing a stunning skydive to dismiss Akshay Ganpule of Railways.

In the women’s category, Archana Majhi of Odisha was named Best Defender, while Maharashtra’s Reshma Rathod received the Best Attacker award. The Rani Laxmibai Award for Player of the Tournament went to Maharashtra’s Tanvi Bhosale. In the men’s section, Maharashtra’s Laxman Gawas was awarded Best Defender, Railways’ Rahul Mandal was named Best Attacker, and the Eklavya Award for Player of the Tournament was presented to Jagannath Das of Railways.

In the final rankings in the women’s category, Odisha is in second place and AAI is in third. Delhi stood in joint third place, followed by Kolhapur (5th), Gujarat (6th), Karnataka (7th), and Andhra Pradesh (8th). In the men’s category, Maharashtra finished as runner-up. Kolhapur secured the bronze (3rd place), Odisha (joint third place), Kerala (5th), West Bengal (6th), Andhra Pradesh (7th), and Karnataka (8th).

The championship, which kicked off on March 31 in Puri, marked several historic firsts. For the first time, all matches were played on mats, ensuring a standardized and professional playing surface. The tournament also recorded the highest-ever participation, with 40 men’s and 40 women’s teams competing from across the country.

New Delhi: Making history in the Nepali sporting scene, Nepal Kho Kho Association hosts its first-ever national-level Kho Kho league – Dream Kho Kho 2025. It took place from April 5 to April 10 amidst the picturesque district of Bardiya, Lumbini Province.

The Dream Kho Kho Leaguefeatured 5 teams, and witnessed participation from around 60 players and 20 match officials including two referees from India. The league saw a total of 14 engaging matches.

The league's final standings are as follows: Winner: Natures Nest Tigers – NPR 2,50,000 + Hand-crafted Dream Kho Kho Trophy Second : Bikash Premi Black Buck – NPR 1,50,000 Third: Kanchan Gaidahawa Royals – NPR 1,00,000

Kho Kho, is gaining popularity in all seven provinces of Nepal. Although its popularity in schools is limited to 2–3 districts, district-level competitions are actively being held across Nepal and players are getting recognition—international-level Kho Kho players being recruited into the Nepal Army, for instance.

Bardiya, one of the two districts which have mat facilities in Nepal (the other is Kathmandu), was selected as the proud host to this first-ever League, following the success of the U-21 National Kho Kho Championships that took place in March 2024.

Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the International Kho Kho Federation, lauded the initiative:“The Dream Kho Kho League is a remarkable achievement for Nepal and a proud moment for the entire Kho Kho community. This league not only showcases the talent and passion for the sport in Nepal but also strengthens the foundation for Kho Kho’s global expansion. I congratulate all the players, organizers, and supporters who made this dream a reality.”

Kshatra Bahadur Shahi, Senior Vice President , Nepal Kho Kho Association, “The Kho Kho is gaining popularity in Nepal and youth are inclined towards it and look at it with hope. The Dream Kho Kho would prove to be an important landmark in Nepal’s Kho Kho Journey.”

“The aggregate financial outlay of the league comprised around NPR 50 Lakhs, demonstrating the increasing level of investment and support for Kho Kho in Nepal,” said Shahi.

With the Dream Kho Kho 2025, not only has Nepal made a big leap towards mainstreaming Kho Kho but also laid the foundation for subsequent editions that will work towards increasing the reach of the sport, both locally and globally.

https://www.sportzpower.com/node/20964?__cf_chl_tk=PCOrntwXGeFV.2Za0jxpwKC6cXXQVTNJnKqK.RBHq.k-1744430129-1.0.1.1-3IRH5MFBpKpx6T336a.C75v7CTzE3pO9jbwkzkdMfwg

https://mediabrief.com/nepal-hosts-inaugural-national-league-dream-kho-kho-2025/#:~:text=It%20took%20place%20from%20April,total%20of%2014%20engaging%20matches

https://www.mediainfoline.com/sports/nepal-successfully-hosts-its-first-ever-national-kho-kho-league-dream-kho-kho-2025

Suyash Gargate, Priyanka Ingle, (2022-23) alongside Hrushikesh Murchavade, Gauri Sindhe, (2023-24) and team coach Pravin Bagal were awarded the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Rajya Krida Puruskar

Sports has always held a special place in the hearts of Indians, uniting generations. Cricket, a national obsession, is a testament to the unwavering passion. The frenzy around every fixture, hero-worship of players, and the emotions tied to victories and defeats show how deeply sports shape our national & cultural identity. And while cricket dominates the spotlight, India’s sporting legacy extends far beyond, with indigenous sports that have thrived for centuries, rooted in traditional athleticism.

For instance, Kabaddi, a contact sport requiring strength and strategy, has gained global popularity with professional leagues and international tournaments. On the other hand, Mallakhamb, an ancient blend of gymnastics and yoga, is now practised worldwide for its fitness benefits. Martial arts such as Thang-Ta from Manipur and Silambam from Tamil Nadu are gaining recognition for their skill and discipline. These sports reflect India's deeply embedded athletic culture and showcase the country’s ability to influence the global sporting landscape, much like Japan did with Judo and Korea with Taekwondo.

History has shown how sports can unite a nation. A powerful example is how Nelson Mandela used Rugby to heal a divided South Africa. During the 1995 Rugby World Cup, South Africa was still reeling from the wounds of apartheid. Understanding the power of sports, Mandela wore the jersey of the mostly white national rugby team, the Springboks, and rallied black and white South Africans behind them. When the team won the championship, it wasn’t just a victory in sports—it was a moment of unity that symbolized a new era for the country. Similarly, Indian sports too have the power to unite communities and make a global impact.

With the right platform, sports such as Kho Kho can become a global phenomenon. The sport demands extraordinary agility, endurance, and strategic play, making it perfect for professional leagues. India has a talent pool to stand out on the world stage as seen at the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 where Indian Men’s and Women’s team were crowned champions.

Beyond cultural pride, reviving these sports can drive economic growth. Developing professional leagues, sponsorships, and training facilities can create jobs for our athletes, coaches, and sports managers, especially in rural areas. Investing in infrastructure, tournaments, and local sports clubs would inspire youth participation.

To make this a reality, we must aim to integrate these sports into school curricula, utilize media to build a fan base, and establish professional leagues with financial incentives. Upgrading sports infrastructure, ensuring world-class coaching, and pushing for inclusion in major international events like the Asian Games and the Olympics will further solidify India’s global presence. Hosting international tournaments can bring worldwide recognition and interest.

The simplest way for us to contribute is by watching and supporting these sports—whether by attending matches, tuning into broadcasts, or engaging with content online. The more people watch, the greater the demand, driving growth for these disciplines on a larger scale. With a rich interest in sports and immense talent, India has everything it takes to transform homegrown sports into a lasting global legacies.

Fixtures - Click Here

Kho Kho adds to indigenous sporting flavour at Khelo India Youth Games 2025 - Read More

Bihar, May 10, 2025: The Kho Kho Championship during the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in the Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development (BIPARD) Ground at Bodhgaya witnessed electrifying action as Maharashtra and Odisha emerged as the top contenders in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

In a nail-biting Girls' Final, Odisha pipped Maharashtra with a narrow 34-31 win, showing outstanding agility, coordination, and tactical acumen to win the championship trophy. In the boys' category, Maharashtra dominated with a comprehensive 34-25 victory over Odisha to claim the championship title.

Final Standings:
Boys – Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (Kho Kho):
• Champions: Maharashtra
• Runners-up: Odisha
• 2nd Runners-up: Karnataka & Punjab (Joint)

Girls – Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (Kho Kho):
• Champions: Odisha
• Runners-up: Maharashtra
• 2nd Runners-up: Punjab & Delhi (Joint)

The Federation of India for Kho Kho sent best wishes to all teams that took part in the tournament for their great performances, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport.

"We take pride in young sportsmen and women who gave outstanding performances and showcased the real spirit of Kho Kho. The tournament has taken another leap forward in taking Kho Kho's stature to the national platform and beyond," stated Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India & International Kho Kho Federation.

The tournament not only hailed the emerging stars from states but also showcased Kho Kho's rising popularity and potential as a dynamic indigenous game becoming increasingly popular with India's young generation.

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Gujarat Government honours women Kho Kho Player with Rs 10 lakh who was the part of the Indian Women's Kho Kho team that won a Gold medal at 1st ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

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Unveiling of Australia's first ever Kho Kho ground Click Here

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KKFI hosted a press conference during the ongoing International Advanced Level III-A Coaching & Technical Officials Programme. With participation from 20+ countries and over 230 coaches and officials, this hybrid-format course is a major stride in building a scientifically advanced and globally respected Kho Kho ecosystem. 📸 From (L-R) - Dr. Poornima Baliga Bantwal, Pro Vice Chancellor, SGT University; Dr. Atul Nasa, Pro Vice Chancellor, SGT University; Dr. Hemant Varma, Vice-Chancellor, SGT University; Mr. Amrit Singh Chawla, Member, Governing Body, SGT University; Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (IC) Sports (IC) Law & Legislative (Attached) Department, Government of Haryana; Mr. Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI; Jawahar Singh Yadav, President, Haryana Kho Kho Federation; M.S Tyagi, Secretary General, KKFI

Happy National/International Kho Kho Day

International Kho Kho Day, India leads celebration

Ultimate Kho Kho is back with Season 3 – bigger, bolder, and fiercer than ever 🔥
This time, the thrill goes global as international players join the race for glory 🌍
Get ready to witness unmatched speed, strategy, and passion as the league returns to set the stage on fire.
📍Starts 29th November 2025
📺 LIVE on Sony Sports Network & Sony LIV