A defining moment for Kho Kho in South Africa and another major milestone in the sport’s growing global journey
Kho Kho has achieved a historic new milestone in South Africa. The Kho Kho Association South Africa has been crowned Recreation Body of the Year at the prestigious 19th South African Sport Awards, marking a significant moment not only for the organisation but also for the continued international growth and recognition of Kho Kho.
The 19th edition of the awards recognised sporting achievements during the 2025 review period, with Recreation Body of the Year among the categories honouring organisations and individuals making an exceptional contribution to South African sport and recreation. Kho Kho Association South Africa was shortlisted alongside the Swartland Community Sport Centre and Durban Africa Sports Club before emerging as the winner.
The achievement represents national recognition for a sport that has continued to build momentum beyond its traditional boundaries and establish an increasingly strong international footprint.
A JOURNEY FROM GLOBAL COMPETITION TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION
South Africa’s rise in international Kho Kho received major attention during the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi in January 2025. The country was represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions, becoming one of the African nations participating in the historic first edition of the global championship. (Kho Kho Federation)
The South African teams did more than simply participate. Their performances demonstrated the rapid development of Kho Kho within the country, with the South African men’s team making a particularly remarkable run to the semi-finals. The women’s team also reached the semi-final stage, where they faced hosts India, bringing South Africa into the spotlight during the tournament.
Those performances helped introduce a wider South African and international audience to the speed, athleticism, tactical intelligence and intensity of modern Kho Kho. More importantly, they reflected the work taking place beyond the international arena—from player development and coaching to administration, grassroots participation and the building of a stronger sporting community.
The World Cup provided a global stage. The Recreation Body of the Year award now provides national recognition for that wider journey.
RECOGNITION FOR AN ENTIRE KHO KHO COMMUNITY
This honour is a tribute to every individual and institution that has contributed to the growth of Kho Kho in South Africa.
Behind the trophy is the collective effort of administrators who have worked to develop and organise the sport, coaches who continue to nurture athletes, managers and technical personnel who support teams and competitions, parents who encourage young players, supporters who have embraced the game, and, above all, the athletes who continue to represent South Africa with commitment and pride.
The recognition also highlights the importance of institutional and community support in transforming a growing sport into a sustainable sporting movement.
The South African Sport Awards themselves are designed to celebrate achievements across the country’s sporting ecosystem, recognising excellence from grassroots and community sport through to the highest levels of international competition. The 2026 awards featured 19 categories, including Recreation Body of the Year, National Federation of the Year, Sport Team of the Year and several awards for athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers and sports media professionals.
For Kho Kho Association South Africa to secure the Recreation Body of the Year honour therefore places the organisation among the leading contributors to South Africa’s wider sporting and recreational landscape.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RECREATION BODY OF THE YEAR AWARD
The significance of this recognition extends beyond one award ceremony.
Recreation and community-based sporting organisations play a crucial role in expanding access to sport, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening communities and identifying future talent. The recognition of Kho Kho Association South Africa demonstrates that the sport’s progress is being acknowledged at a national level.
In the previous edition of the South African Sport Awards, the Recreation Body of the Year award was won by Made for More Zama, a para-surfing organisation. The category has consistently recognised organisations making an impact beyond conventional elite sporting results, underlining the value placed on participation, development and community contribution. (South African Government)
For Kho Kho, this is particularly meaningful.
A sport once primarily associated with the Indian subcontinent is now continuing its journey across continents, with countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and other regions becoming increasingly involved in international competition and development. South Africa’s success at the World Cup and its latest recognition at the SA Sport Awards provide another powerful example of this expansion.
A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR KHO KHO’S GLOBAL MOVEMENT
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025 was a landmark event for the sport, bringing together teams from multiple continents. South Africa’s participation in both men’s and women’s competitions highlighted Africa’s growing role in Kho Kho’s international ecosystem. (Kho Kho Federation)
The success of the South African teams at that tournament was followed by continued recognition of the work being done to develop the sport domestically.
Now, with the Recreation Body of the Year award, the story has come full circle—from competing on the sport’s biggest international stage to receiving one of South Africa’s most important national sporting honours.
It is also a moment that belongs to the entire Kho Kho fraternity.
Every new country embracing the sport, every young athlete taking up Kho Kho, every coach developing players, every administrator creating opportunities and every competition bringing communities together contributes to the sport’s larger global journey.
South Africa’s achievement is proof that Kho Kho’s growth is no longer confined by geography.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KHO KHO ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA
This is a proud and defining moment for Kho Kho Association South Africa and for everyone associated with the development of the sport across the nation.
Congratulations to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the administrators, coaches, managers, technical personnel, parents, supporters and every stakeholder whose commitment has contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Most importantly, congratulations to the athletes—the faces of the sport on the field—whose performances, dedication and passion continue to inspire a new generation.
From the World Cup stage to national recognition, South African Kho Kho has written another important chapter in its journey.
The message is clear: Kho Kho is growing, Kho Kho is reaching new communities, and Kho Kho’s global journey continues.
A defining moment for Kho Kho in South Africa.
A proud moment for the global Kho Kho family.
And perhaps, the beginning of an even bigger chapter ahead.