New Delhi, Nov 3: India aims to elevate its ancient sport, Kho Kho, to the international stage, with aspirations to include it in upcoming Olympic and Asian Games.
Intensive training camps for the Indian Kho Kho team will begin next month, ahead of the sport’s World Cup in January, announced Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), here on Sunday.
The month-long pre-season fitness and fielding camp is set for December 8 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Focused on building team cohesion and enhancing both physical and mental resilience, the camp aims to ensure the team is in peak condition to tackle the global competition, Mittal shared with the media.
“Our ultimate vision is to bring Kho Kho into the Olympic spotlight,” stated Mittal. With the upcoming World Cup, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) continues to move toward this goal. The event will see participation from 24 countries across six continents, with equal representation from 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams.
Athletes will undergo a comprehensive training regime designed to improve fitness, agility, leadership, strategic thinking, and overall performance. Sixty players from each division, men’s and women’s, will attend the camp as part of their preparation for the week-long 2025 Kho Kho World Cup. National Kho Kho Championship performances determined these selections, with the national selection committee, composed of experts, finalizing the team lineup.
For the first time, a sports psychologist will join the training program, addressing a longstanding request from team members. The psychologist will help players handle pressure, manage cognitive strain, and maintain mental sharpness. Out of those training, 15 players from each team will be selected for the World Cup, while others will serve as reserves. Delegates from additional countries are expected to observe the championship.
International teams are scheduled to arrive in New Delhi starting January 10. Kho Kho, a traditional South Asian sport dating back to ancient India, is played on a rectangular court with two poles marking the central lane’s ends. Currently, Kho Kho is played in 54 countries worldwide, with 32 teams (men’s and women’s) from 24 countries competing in this World Cup for global supremacy.
The KKFI is expected to invest approximately ₹75 crore in organizing the championship, with EaseMyTrip as the official travel and hosting partner. Matches will air on Star Sports and stream live on social media platforms.
Ahead of the World Cup, KKFI plans to introduce Kho Kho to 200 elite schools across 10 cities to promote the sport. A membership drive will also engage students, aiming to register at least 5 million players before the event.
The tournament will span a week of matches showcasing top-tier talent from around the world, with athletes demonstrating skill, agility, and teamwork. By hosting this landmark World Cup, KKFI hopes to secure Kho Kho’s place in both the Asian Games and Olympic Games by 2032, Mittal added.
