Haldia, October 27-29, 2024 – The Asmita Khelo India Kho Kho Women’s League for the East and North East Zone is set to commence in Haldia, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal. Organized as part of the nationwide Khelo India movement, this esteemed league will bring together top female athletes from across eastern and northeastern India, promoting sportsmanship and excellence in kho kho. The tournament will be held at the Haldia Punebarsan Vidyaniketan from October 27 to October 29, 2024.
The tournament is expected to be graced by notable personalities and dignitaries who have contributed greatly to the sport and local community. Among the chief guests is Neeraj Kumar Pappu, a prominent member of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the Secretary of the Kho Kho Association of Bihar. Mr. Pappu’s presence is expected to encourage young players and shine a spotlight on the significance of traditional Indian sports in the region. Another key figure attending is Somnath Dutt, Plant Manager of Haldia Energy Limited, who has supported sports initiatives across Haldia, contributing to the empowerment and upliftment of local athletes.
The tournament will also be honored by Sudhanshu Mandal, former President of the Haldia Municipal Corporation, Santosh Prasad of Kho Kho Sangh Jharkhand, Dilip Soren representing Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bijan Das as the Organizing Secretary, and Kalyan Chatterjee, Secretary of the Kho Kho Association of West Bengal. Their collective presence underscores a community-driven commitment to bolster kho kho and create avenues for aspiring athletes.
In a statement, Bijan Das, the Organizing Secretary, expressed excitement about hosting this important event in Haldia, noting, “The Asmita Khelo India Kho Kho Women’s League is not just about competition; it’s about inspiring young women to pursue sports. We’re thrilled to host this event and bring together talent from across the East and Northeast.”
The tournament is also set to highlight the role of traditional Indian sports in contemporary athletics, blending cultural heritage with the sporting aspirations of today’s youth. In alignment with the vision of the Khelo India program, which aims to foster grassroots-level sports across India, the event will enable local talent to gain exposure and access to competitive platforms.
As preparations for the league are in full swing, the people of Haldia and beyond eagerly anticipate three days of high-energy matches, where teams will compete not only for glory but also to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. The event will surely contribute to enhancing the profile of kho kho as a mainstream sport and inspire many young women to consider it a viable path in sports.
With an impressive lineup of participants, supporters, and sports dignitaries, the East & North East Zone Asmita Khelo India Kho Kho Women’s League promises to be an unforgettable event in the annals of Indian kho kho, celebrating both talent and tradition.
