The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially announced the pools and fixtures for the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025–26, set to be held from 31st January to 4th February 2026 at Keshav Park, Kurukshetra, Haryana.
A total of 70 teams—35 boys’ and 35 girls’ teams—from 27 states, 5 Union Territories and 3 associate member associations will compete for national honours, making it one of the largest Sub-Junior national events in recent years.
The participating Union Territories include Puducherry, Ladakh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir, while Madhya Bharat, Kolhapur and Vidarbha will represent the associate member associations alongside state teams.
Expressing his confidence in the young athletes, Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI, said, “The young budding talents need proper handholding and nurturing. The federation is committed to providing them best-in-class training and facilities so that they continue their career in the sport and achieve great heights. My best wishes to all our sub-junior players.”
Addressing a press conference in Kurukshetra, Shri Jawahar Singh Yadav, President, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association, highlighted the significance of the event for the state.
“It is a happy moment for Haryana. After the 2012 Junior National in Gurugram, the Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship is being hosted in Haryana in 2026. Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar will inaugurate the Championship on 31st January. Hon’ble Minister Haryana Shri Krishan Lal Panwar and Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha Shri Subhash Barala will also grace the inauguration. Hon’ble Minister Shri Krishna Kumar Bedi will visit during the Championship,” he said.
He further added that Shri Gaurav Gautam, Hon’ble Minister of State for Sports, Haryana, will be present at the closing ceremony.
Shri Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI, congratulated all participating teams and assured flawless execution of the event.
“All arrangements have been finalised for the smooth conduct of the Championship. These young talents have a bright future in sport, and we will provide them with all required support,” he stated.
Speaking on the sport’s global growth, Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Organization & Administration, KKFI, said, “Kho Kho is now a modern sport with elements of sports science integrated into it. It is played in 61 nations across all six continents, and youth are increasingly inclined to make a career in Kho Kho due to growing opportunities and recognition.”
The Championship will be conducted on four playfields, including three mat fields, at Keshav Park. Shri Mahender Kamboj, General Secretary, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association, informed that around 1,100 players will take part, supported by nearly 300 coaches and technical officials to ensure smooth conduct.
Several dignitaries were present at the press conference, including Smt. Sunita Khatri, Deputy Director, Sports Department, Government of Haryana; Adv. Brish Bhan, Treasurer, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association; Shri Subhash Rohil, Vice President; Shri Rajkumar Saini, President, Kurukshetra Kho Kho Association; and Smt. Munni Joon, Coach of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 winning women’s team.
The Championship will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with 120 matches scheduled during the first three days. The pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals will be played on 3rd February, while the semi-finals and finals will take place on 4th February.
The 34th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship, held from 28th September to 2nd October 2024 at Simdega, Jharkhand, saw Maharashtra emerge champions in both boys’ and girls’ categories.