New Delhi, May 2:The fast-paced indigenous sport of Kho Kho is all set to take center stage at the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, which will be held from May 4 to May 15 across five cities in Bihar. The Kho Kho events are scheduled from May 5 to May 9 at the Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development (BIPARD) Ground in Bodhgaya.
A total of 16 teams—8 boys’ and 8 girls’ squads from 9 states—will be competing in this high-intensity tournament.
Boys’ Groupings:
- Group A: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar
- Group B: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh
Girls’ Groupings:
- Group A: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar
- Group B: Karnataka, Odisha, Delhi, Tamil Nadu
The semi-finals will take place on May 8, with the finals scheduled for May 9, promising thrilling showdowns between the nation’s best young talents.
This is the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, being hosted in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, with additional events like shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling to be held in New Delhi. The 2025 edition is expected to draw around 10,000 participants including athletes and volunteers from all 36 states and Union Territories, across 28 sports disciplines, encompassing Olympic, non-Olympic, and indigenous sports like Kho Kho, Mallakhamb, Kalarippayattu, and Thang-Ta.
“Of late, the indigenous sport of Kho Kho has gained immense popularity and a growing fan base. It has evolved into a modern, competitive sport that resonates with young audiences. The Khelo India Youth Games provide an excellent platform for the promotion of indigenous sports. I wish all participating teams and young sportspersons the very best,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
KIYG is structured as a team championship, where individual and team performances contribute to each state’s overall medal tally. The state or UT with the highest number of gold medals emerges as the overall champion. The previous edition in 2024, hosted by Tamil Nadu, saw participation from over 5,600 athletes across four cities.
As anticipation builds, Kho Kho fans across the country will be eagerly watching the action unfold in Bodhgaya, where speed, strategy, and stamina will determine the next generation of Kho Kho stars.