The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship is set to take place from March 31 to April 5 at the District Sports Complex in Puri, marking another milestone in the sport's growing popularity.

Organized under the aegis of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the tournament promises high-octane competition among the country's best players.

Teams and Participation

This year's championship will feature 74 teams in total, including squads from 30 states and renowned institutional teams such as Airport Authority, Railways, BSF, Maharashtra Police, and CISF.

KKFI’s Vision for Global Recognition

Sudhanshu Mittal, president of KKFI, emphasized the federation's mission to take Kho Kho to the global stage. He stated, “Our vision extends beyond national boundaries; we are dedicated to transforming Kho Kho into a global sport. The upcoming championship in Puri is a testament to our ongoing efforts to modernise the game and showcase its dynamic appeal.”

Odisha’s Role in Promoting Kho Kho

Odisha has been making steady progress in promoting Kho Kho. A Kho Kho Academy and High-Performance Center have been operational in Puri for the past ten months, providing specialised training to emerging players. Additionally, a proposal to build a dedicated Kho Kho stadium at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, is awaiting final approval.

A Major Sporting Event for Odisha

Pradyumna Mishra, general secretary of the Odisha Kho Kho Association, said, “We are excited to host the 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in Puri, a city with a growing sporting culture. This event will showcase top-tier talent and further elevate the popularity of Kho Kho in India.”

Kho Kho’s Growing Legacy

With the championship bringing together the best players in the country, the event is expected to play a crucial role in the further development of Kho Kho in Odisha and beyond.

Earlier this year, India hosted the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, where the hosts secured the men’s and women’s titles at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on January 19.