As India prepares to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in January next year, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) General Secretary MS Tyagi expressed optimism about the tournament’s potential to elevate the sport’s profile on a global scale. Tyagi, a veteran of the sport, believes the World Cup will inspire younger generations and attract more attention to this traditional Indian game.
“The World Cup is a big thing for any federation. The tournament will play a massive role in making the sport more popular in the country. The younger crop will get motivated and inspired. I am very confident that Kho Kho will gain more popularity because of the World Cup that is happening in India,” Tyagi said.
A Legacy of Contribution to Indian Sports
Having been associated with Kho Kho since 1964, Tyagi has represented the sport in eight national tournaments. He has also contributed to Indian sports as a coach and administrator, including his time with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, where he trained coaches across multiple disciplines.
Tyagi has had a distinguished career, serving as the national coach for Kho Kho during its demonstration at the 1982 Asian Games and as coach for India’s Kabaddi team in its first international tournament in 1985. Between 1990 and 2013, he oversaw preparations for Indian teams across sports as a project officer at the National Institute of Sports (NIS). Even after his retirement, he continued to serve Indian sports, managing the Rural Development Games under the direction of then Sports Minister Vijay Goel.
Strengthening Kho Kho Under KKFI
Tyagi joined the KKFI in 2017 and has since worked closely with its president, Sudhanshu Mittal, to grow the sport. “Under Sudhanshu sir’s guidance, the sport has grown tenfold. A lot of credit goes to him for the kind of work he is doing for Kho Kho. The best example of this is the World Cup happening in India,” Tyagi remarked.
The KKFI has also taken steps to improve player support and training. Initiatives like the Ultimate Kho Kho League (UKKL) have provided financial opportunities for players while showcasing talent. Additionally, the federation’s Sports Science Program focuses on analyzing players’ physical and technical attributes to enhance their performance.
“The KKFI’s Sports Science Program is a very good method of understanding a player’s body, game, and technique. It gives you the minute details about the player and the areas that he or she has to work on,” Tyagi explained.
Looking Ahead
The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup marks a pivotal moment for the sport, and Tyagi is confident that it will lead to broader recognition and inspire the next generation of players. With initiatives like UKKL and the Sports Science Program, the KKFI is laying a solid foundation for the sport’s future.
As India takes center stage in hosting this global event, Kho Kho fans and players alike are hopeful for a bright future.
