Kho Kho’s Global Dream: From Ancient Fields to Olympic Aspirations

 

India’s ancient tag sport, Kho Kho, is making a bold comeback, with its first international tournament, the Kho Kho World Cup, aiming to propel the game toward Olympic recognition.

 

Played for over 2,000 years across South Asia, Kho Kho is a fast-paced tag sport that combines agility, strategy, and teamwork. Though its rules were formalized in the early 20th century, the sport’s global ambitions took a backseat, overshadowed by India’s cricket craze. Now, the game is regaining momentum.

 

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi features teams from 23 nations, marking a historic moment for the sport. The opening ceremony, with vibrant music, dance, and a parade of nations, showcased the ambition to take Kho Kho to the international stage.

 

“We’ve broken barriers by hosting a World Cup,” said Indian women’s team player Nasreen Shaikh. “The ultimate goal is to see Kho Kho in the Olympics.”

 

How Kho Kho is Played

 

Kho Kho involves two teams alternating between attackers and defenders on a rectangular court. Attackers aim to tag defenders as quickly as possible while adhering to specific movement rules, making it a thrilling test of speed and strategy.

 

Modernizing the Game

 

The sport took a leap forward in 2022 with the launch of the Ultimate Kho Kho League. By moving games from outdoor fields to indoor mats and airing them on television, the league brought Kho Kho to a wider audience. It is now the third most-watched non-cricket sport in India, after kabaddi and football.

 

“The shift from mud to mat transformed the game into a global sport,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India. “With players from countries like Germany, Brazil, and Kenya joining in, Kho Kho is growing rapidly. In the next five years, it will reach new heights.”