KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal unveils championship trophy as 180 young athletes from 12 teams gear up for three days of high-intensity Kho Kho action
PURI, ODISHA | 29 AUGUST 2026: The stage is set for a thrilling showcase of youth talent as the Odisha AM/NS India Junior Kho Kho Championship 2026 was formally inaugurated on Saturday at the Kho Kho Academy, Puri, marking the beginning of three days of intense competition, sporting excellence and celebration of the next generation of Kho Kho athletes.
Scheduled from 29 to 31 August 2026, the championship brings together 12 teams and 180 young athletes across the Boys and Girls categories, creating a major competitive platform for emerging talent from across the country.
The grand inauguration was graced by Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The occasion also witnessed the presence of distinguished sporting and industry leaders, including Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head – CSR, AM/NS India; Shri Pradyumna Mishra, Vice-President, KKFI and Secretary, Odisha Kho Kho Association (OKKA); and Shri M.V.S.S. Prasad, President, Andhra Pradesh Kho Kho Association.
A GRAND OPENING IN PURI
The inauguration programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Shri Sanjeev Sharma, Head Coach, Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre (HPC).
Welcoming the dignitaries, participating teams, athletes, coaches and officials, Sharma set the tone for a championship focused not only on competition but also on the development of young athletes and the strengthening of the sport at the grassroots level.
The ceremonial proceedings reached a key moment with Shri Sudhanshu Mittal unveiling the much-anticipated championship trophy, formally declaring the championship open and signalling the start of three days of competitive Kho Kho.
The trophy unveiling served as a symbolic beginning to the athletes’ pursuit of championship glory, with teams now ready to battle it out on the field through speed, precision, tactical awareness and teamwork.
12 TEAMS. 180 ATHLETES. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP.
The 2026 edition has brought together a strong field of junior talent, with teams representing Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Bharat, Kolhapur and Andhra Pradesh.
With both Boys and Girls categories forming part of the championship, the tournament provides young athletes an opportunity to compete against some of the emerging talent from different Kho Kho regions.
The participation of 180 athletes makes the championship an important platform for players looking to gain valuable competitive experience and test themselves in a high-intensity tournament environment.
For many of these young athletes, the championship represents more than another tournament. It is an opportunity to perform on a competitive stage, learn from experienced coaches and officials, develop confidence and take another step forward in their sporting journey.
FOCUS ON THE NEXT GENERATION
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries underlined the importance of creating quality competitive opportunities for young athletes.
Junior championships play an important role in developing the sporting ecosystem by allowing athletes to transition from training environments into high-pressure competitive situations. Such platforms help young players understand match conditions, develop tactical awareness and gain the confidence required to perform at higher levels.
The championship also reflects the growing emphasis on strengthening the grassroots and youth development pathway in Kho Kho, providing athletes with opportunities to compete, learn and progress.
The involvement of AM/NS India alongside the Odisha Kho Kho ecosystem further highlights the importance of structured support for developing sporting talent and creating high-quality training and competition environments.
PURI TAKES CENTRE STAGE
The Kho Kho Academy in Puri is set to remain at the heart of the championship for the next three days as the young athletes compete for honours.
Puri, known globally for its cultural and spiritual significance, is now also witnessing a gathering of some of the country’s promising young Kho Kho talent.
The championship adds another dimension to Odisha’s growing sporting identity, with the state continuing to provide platforms for athletes and sporting competitions across disciplines.
For the participating teams, the coming days will demand a combination of speed, agility, anticipation, strategy, teamwork and mental strength. In a sport where a single chase can change the momentum of a match, every movement and every decision could prove decisive.
MORE THAN JUST A TROPHY
While the championship trophy remains the ultimate prize, the significance of the tournament extends far beyond the final standings.
For the young athletes, these three days offer an opportunity to experience the intensity of national-level junior competition, interact with athletes from different regions and understand the demands of competitive sport.
The tournament is also a platform for coaches and officials to assess emerging talent and identify players who could potentially progress to higher levels of competition in the future.
Such competitions form an important part of the athlete-development pathway, helping transform raw ability into competitive experience.
THE CHASE FOR GLORY BEGINS
With the inauguration now complete, the focus shifts firmly to the field.
The 12 participating teams enter the championship carrying the aspirations of their respective states, associations, academies and sporting communities. Every chase, dive, pole turn and defensive move will contribute to the unfolding story of the championship.
The three-day competition promises a combination of youthful energy and tactical intensity as the athletes look to turn months of preparation into performances that could define their tournament.
As the first chase begins in Puri, the message is clear: the future of Kho Kho is on the field.
The Odisha AM/NS India Junior Kho Kho Championship 2026 has officially begun, and with 12 teams, 180 athletes and three days of competition, the race for the title is now underway.
The trophy has been unveiled. The teams are ready. The chase has begun.
Puri now waits to discover who will emerge as the next champions of junior Kho Kho.