The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially announced the pools and match schedule for the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship 2025–26, setting the stage for one of the most competitive editions in the history of the sport. The prestigious championship will be held from January 11 to 15, 2026, at the Railway Stadium, Kazipet, Telangana.
A total of 76 teams — 38 men’s and 38 women’s — will compete for national honours. In both categories, teams have been divided into eight pools, ensuring a packed and high-intensity league phase. The championship will kick off on January 11, with the opening men’s match between Rajasthan and Chandigarh, marking the beginning of five days of top-level Kho Kho action.
According to the schedule released by KKFI, the league matches will be played from January 11 to 13, followed by the knockout stage starting on January 14. The tournament will culminate on January 15, with the semi-finals and finals in both men’s and women’s sections deciding the new national champions.
Record Participation and National Representation
This year’s championship features teams representing 26 States, 6 Union Territories, 4 Institutional units, and 3 Associate Member Associations, highlighting the vast reach and growing depth of Kho Kho across India. The participating Union Territories include Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.
The InstitutionalJammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.
The Institutional teams competing are:
- Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB)
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB)
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
The Associate Member Associations — Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat — further underline the strength of Kho Kho’s grassroots and regional structures.
Notably, the AIPSCB squad brings together players from police forces across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, reflecting a unified national approach to sporting excellence.
Kho Kho’s Modern Identity and Global Rise
The 58th Senior National Championship comes at a landmark moment for the sport. Following the successful hosting of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup and the game’s expanding presence across six continents, Kho Kho is rapidly transforming from a traditional Indian sport into a modern, globally recognised competitive discipline.
With record participation, a structured pool system, and a tightly packed schedule, the 2025–26 edition promises thrilling contests, emerging talent, and high-quality performances, reaffirming the Senior National Championship’s status as the pinnacle of domestic Kho Kho in India.