As Kho Kho continues its rapid transformation from a traditional Indian sport into a modern, globally recognised competitive discipline, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (2025–26) is set to showcase the very best of domestic talent. The prestigious championship will be held from January 11 to 15 at the Railway Stadium, Kazipet, Telangana, featuring a record 76 teams — 38 men’s and 38 women’s — from across the country.
Teams representing 26 States, 6 Union Territories, 4 Institutional units and 3 Associate Member Associations will vie for national supremacy in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history. The championship arrives on the heels of Kho Kho’s historic global breakthrough, marked by the successful hosting of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup and the sport’s growing international footprint across six continents.
Unified Forces, Stronger Competition
In a landmark initiative aimed at consolidating elite talent and strengthening competition, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will compete as a single combined unit, with players from ITBP and SSB representing the force together in both men’s and women’s categories. Similarly, nine State Police forces have merged into one formidable team under the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) banner.
The AIPSCB squad includes players from the police forces of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Punjab, reflecting a unified national approach to excellence in sport.
Wide National Representation
The Union Territories participating in the championship are Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Ladakh.
The Institutional teams competing are the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), Airports Authority of India (AAI), All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The Associate Member Associations taking part are Kolhapur, Vidarbha and Madhya Bharat, underlining the depth and diversity of Kho Kho’s grassroots structure.
Kho Kho’s Modern Identity
Highlighting the sport’s evolution, Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), said:
“Kho Kho today is a modern, fast-paced and globally competitive sport. The Senior National Championship brings together the finest talent from across India and reflects how far the sport has progressed in terms of professionalism, athleticism and spectator appeal.”
World-Class Infrastructure & Format
The championship will be conducted on six courts, including four mat courts, with matches scheduled in morning and afternoon sessions under floodlit conditions. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals on January 14, followed by the semi-finals and finals on January 15.
Shri Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI, emphasized the technological advancement of the sport:
“The integration of sports science, analytics and modern playing surfaces has elevated Kho Kho’s stature and enhanced player performance, making competitions more intense and engaging.”
Rising Popularity & Career Pathways
Echoing the growing appeal of the sport, Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Organisation & Administration, KKFI, noted:
“The strong participation from institutions and states reflects Kho Kho’s rising popularity. Young athletes now see Kho Kho as a viable career option, with increasing opportunities, recognition and professional pathways.”
Host Readiness
Confirming full preparedness, Shri N. Krishnamurthy, Secretary, Telangana Kho Kho Association, stated that the championship will be supported by around 164 technical officials, along with 80 coaches, office bearers and Executive Committee members from KKFI and the host association to ensure smooth and fair conduct.
Looking Back
The previous edition, the 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship, was held at Puri, Odisha, from March 31 to April 4, 2025, where the Railway Sports Promotion Board clinched the men’s title, while Maharashtra emerged champions in the women’s category.
Conclusion
With record participation, unified police and paramilitary teams, modern infrastructure and the momentum of global recognition, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship is poised to be a defining chapter in the sport’s journey — celebrating tradition while embracing a powerful, professional future.