New Delhi, April 29: The 68th National School Games has kicked off with a thrilling Under-19 Boys and Girls Kho Kho Championship at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi. The prestigious tournament, running from April 29 to May 3, features 30 boys’ and 30 girls’ teams from all corners of the country, making it one of the most competitive and inclusive school-level Kho Kho events to date.
Organised by the Delhi administration under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), the championship marks a historic milestone as six of the eight Kho Kho courts are now mat courts—a first in the history of the National School Games. This significant shift aims to enhance both performance standards and safety for young athletes.
Participating teams include those from reputed educational boards and institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Vidya Bharathi, CBSE, CISCE, alongside state government schools representing Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and more. Union Territories such as Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu are also fielding teams, adding to the event’s truly national stature.
Speaking on the occasion, Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation, said,
“The National School Games are not just a competition—they are a breeding ground for India’s future champions. After the resounding success of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup and the recently concluded Senior Nationals, it is clear that Kho Kho is entering a new era of professionalism and global ambition. We are investing in better infrastructure, creating world-class experiences, and inspiring young athletes to dream bigger. The energy and talent we are witnessing here are proof that India’s sporting future is in strong hands.”
The National School Games continue to be a vital platform for nurturing young talent and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship. With the growing popularity and infrastructure of Kho Kho, this championship is yet another step toward elevating traditional Indian sports to global prominence.