GUNJUR, BENGALURU — The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially announced the pools and complete schedule for the highly anticipated 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship, set to be played from 31st December 2025 to 4th January 2026 at the prestigious Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Gunjur, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The championship will see a massive turnout of 70 teams, with 35 boys’ teams and 35 girls’ teams battling across eight competitive pools in both categories, labeled Pools A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H respectively. This year’s edition promises intense action, fierce rivalries, and a platform for emerging kho-kho talent from across India. TechnoSports Media Group
Tournament Format & Key Dates
- 📅 Opening Match: The championship kicks off with an electrifying opening game on 31st December 2025 at 8:00 AM.
- 📆 League Stage: Teams will compete in round-robin matches in their respective pools across the first two days.
- ⚔️ Knockouts Begin: The knockout stage will commence on 3rd January 2026, featuring pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, and semifinals across both boys’ and girls’ categories.
- 🏆 Finals: The tournament culminates in the grand finals on 4th January 2026 during the afternoon session, where national champions in both divisions will be crowned.
This well-structured format ensures every team gets a fair opportunity to showcase skill, teamwork, and endurance throughout the five-day contest. TechnoSports Media Group
A Celebration of Youth Kho Kho Excellence
The Junior National Championship has long been recognized as a key pathway for identifying and nurturing future kho-kho stars, feeding talent into the senior ranks and national camps. Many state associations have used recent sub-national championships as stepping stones for players aiming to compete at the junior nationals. In Maharashtra’s 51st State Junior Kho Kho Championship, for example, nearly 720 young players participated, showcasing the depth of talent vying for national selection. IANS News
Nationwide Participation
Teams hailing from 26 states and 6 Union Territories will be present at the event, representing a diverse cross-section of India’s kho-kho landscape. From powerhouse states to smaller regional units, each team will look to make its mark on the national stage. TechnoSports Media Group
KKFI officials have emphasized the importance of the championship in building competitive resilience among youth players while promoting the indigenous sport at the grassroots level. The federation continues to work towards expanding kho-kho’s footprint and enhancing its competitive standards nationwide.
Looking Forward
The 44th Junior National Championship follows a busy calendar of kho-kho events, reflecting the sport’s growing momentum in India. From sub-junior tournaments to state junior events, athletes nationwide are gaining valuable match experience — serving the long-term vision of elevating kho-kho to international platforms such as the Asian Games and beyond.
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