Introduction
Kho Kho is one of the oldest forms of outdoor sport in India, embodying the spirit of teamwork, strategy, and agility. While it might not enjoy the same global recognition as other sports, Kho Kho has a deeply rooted cultural significance, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. This article delves into the rich history of Kho Kho, tracing its origins, evolution, and current status.
Ancient Origins
The origins of Kho Kho can be traced back to ancient India. It is believed that Kho Kho originated from the Mahabharata, where warriors used it as a way to build agility and reflexes. The game’s history is intertwined with India’s military traditions, where speed, agility, and strategy were crucial for survival. While the exact period of its inception is hard to pinpoint, Kho Kho has been played for centuries in various forms across rural India.
The name “Kho Kho” itself has an interesting etymology. Some historians suggest that “Kho” might derive from a Sanskrit word meaning “go,” representing the swift movements required in the game. Others believe it may have roots in the Marathi language, where “Kho” could mean “to chase.” Regardless of its linguistic origins, the name perfectly encapsulates the essence of the game.
Traditional Format and Evolution
Traditionally, Kho Kho was played on rough terrain, often in the open fields of villages. The game didn’t require any special equipment, which made it accessible to everyone. The playing field was often marked with simple lines drawn on the ground. The game’s simplicity was one of its greatest strengths, allowing it to spread quickly among rural communities.
The basic structure of Kho Kho involves two teams, each consisting of nine players. The game is played over two innings, where one team takes the role of chasers, and the other acts as runners. The chasers aim to touch the runners to dismiss them from the game, while the runners try to avoid being touched within a specific area.
Over time, as the game spread to different parts of India, regional variations began to emerge. Different communities adapted the rules and style of play according to their cultural contexts. However, the core principles of speed, agility, and teamwork remained consistent.
Formalization and Codification
As the British colonial influence grew in India, there was a concerted effort to formalize and codify traditional Indian games. Kho Kho, along with other indigenous sports, was recognized as a valuable part of India’s cultural heritage. Efforts were made to standardize the rules and format of the game.
Kho Kho the age old thrilling game of chase has its roots in Indian mythology. However, in 1914, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune .The first rule book for the modern version of kho-kho was written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak & Bhai Nerurkar (a local sports club) changed the entire format to the present era. Incidentally, this year marks the centenary of contemporary Kho-Kho. Later on, in 1935, Akhil Maharashtra Shareerik Shikshan Mandal designed and implemented more specific and precise rules and regulations for the game. However, despite these rules, Kho-Kho was being played with slight variances, in the cities of Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Satara, Nashik, Baroda and a few others. In order to introduce uniformity in the game, in 1943, Brihan Maharashtra Shareerik Shikshan Mandal, Delhi , brought all the Kho-Kho playing cities and authorities across the country, together, under a common set of rules. The game of Kho Kho was regularly being played all over India, especially in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka , Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujrat, Andhra and Telangana. However, it was restricted to the states themselves as there was no apex organizing body at the national level, to look after the promotion of the game pan India. Later, in the year 1954, with the relentless efforts of the late Kashinath alias Bhai Nerurkar, (Mumbai), The Kho-Kho Federation of India was established at the Barabatti Stadium Odisha. Mr. Bhai Nerurkar became the first ever Secretary General of the Kho-Kho Federation.
The till then restricted boundaries of Kho-Kho soon vanished and the Federation helped the game take a quantum jump. The first ever All India Kho Kho Championship was held at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh in 1959-60 while the national championship for women was played in Kolhapur, Maharashtra in 1960-61. Kho-Kho was introduced at the University level and the first Inter – University tournament was held in 1955. The result was obvious. With all these efforts and the very intrinsic thrill and physical attributes and skill levels involved in the game, it was no surprise that the Central government, the States and the Union Territories, the School Games Federation and the University Grants Commission accepted Kho-Kho as a preferred game and included it in their list of approved games.
The Central Government of India included Kho-Kho as a regular course at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala (NIS) & NIS BANGLORE. However, such a course was already started by the Maharashtra State Kho-Kho Association, which later formed the syllabus of the course at NIS.
Kho Kho goes International
Kho Kho was included as a demonstration sport at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.
In 1982, Kho Kho was included as a demonstration sport in the Asian Games held in New Delhi, India.
Subsequently, Kho-Kho entered the International arena in 1987 at the time of the 3rd SAF games at Kolkata, with the immense support of Hon’ble Shri. Randhir Singh, the then Secretary General of IOA and SAF, when the Asian Kho-Kho Federation came into being. Mr. Sharad Shah (Nepal), was the first President while Mr. Mukund Ambardekar was the first Secretary General. The Asian Kho-Kho Federation immediately swung into action and Kho-Kho was included for the first time as the officially demonstration game at the 3rd South Asian Federation Games held in Kolkata in 1987 itself. These were the fruits borne to the relentless efforts of the Indian sports doyen Hon’ble Shri Sharad Pawar and other dedicated personalities viz: Mr. Mukund Ambardekar (Mumbai), Mr. Mansahie (Punjab) and Mr. Dilip Roy (West Bengal).
The game was gaining a strong foothold every day. On the occasion of the golden year celebrations of King Virendra of Nepal, the Asian Kho- Kho Federation requested the Indian Federation to organize a tour to Nepal, to demonstrate this Indian game of skill, to the Nepalese. A renowned sports club from Pune, dedicated to the promotion and proliferation of Kho-Kho, Nav Maharashtra Sangh, Pune, was given the responsibility of Mission Nepal. Nav Maharshtra Sangh played matches with the team of Nepal and also arranged demo matches within themselves to create an atmosphere conducive to the game of Kho-Kho abroad. This was the first time ever that an Indian team played against a foreign team on foreign soil. The Nepal teams also visited India thereafter, to participate in the North Zone Tournaments held at Lucknow. This resulted into the organization of the first Asian Kho-Kho Championship which was held in Kolkata in 1996. India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competed for the top slot. Needless to say India emerged supreme. The second Asian Kho-Kho Championships, held at Dhaka (Bangladesh) in the year 2000, saw the addition of Thailand to the participating countries. Indians of course bagged the title. A special mention of the Japanese delegation that attended this event shall not be out of place here.
The immense efforts and dedication of so many illustrious personalities, institutions / clubs, organizers and the innumerable players who dedicated their lives and careers for the game resulted in being enrolled into the list of SAF games this year.
As Kho Kho gained popularity, efforts were made to professionalize the sport. The KKFI played a crucial role in organizing coaching camps, workshops, and seminars to train players and coaches. The federation also worked on improving the infrastructure for the sport, including the development of dedicated Kho Kho grounds and the introduction of synthetic surfaces to replace the traditional mud fields.
The introduction of synthetic surfaces revolutionized the game, making it faster and more dynamic. The standardized playing fields allowed for more consistent gameplay and reduced the risk of injuries. The KKFI also introduced weight categories in the game, ensuring that players competed against opponents of similar physical stature, which added a new layer of strategy to the game.
The Indian government recognized the importance of promoting Kho Kho as a traditional sport and included it in various national sports schemes. The sport was included in the National School Games, and many schools and colleges across the country adopted Kho Kho as a part of their physical education curriculum. This helped in identifying and nurturing young talent, some of whom went on to represent the country at international tournaments.
In 2018 , International Kho Kho Federation established , Under the leadership of following great personality of Kho Kho World:-
Sudhanshu Mittal :- PRESIDENT
Mahender Singh Tyagi:-SECRETARY-TECHNICAL
Brij Haldania:- SECRETARY-GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Deepa Mehta:-SECRETARY-FINANCE
Rohit Haldania:-SECRETARY-GENERAL
Vision: To preserve and promote the indigenous game of Kho Kho, whilst promoting healthy recreation and welcoming all to our friendly global Khommunity.
Aim: For Kho Kho to be an Olympic sport.
In 2022, the introduction of the Ultimate Kho Kho League— India’s first-ever professional Kho Kho League, is promoted by Mr. Amit Burman in a collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). It has been launched with an objective to market and package India’s indigenous sport of Kho Kho into a professional structure. The initiative aims to bring India’s very own home-grown sport to the forefront and make it the most sought-after sports league in India. The Ultimate Kho Kho League strives to elevate the age-old Indian sport to international standards and allow young talents to showcase their skills in front of a pan-India and global audience. With the backing of some of the biggest names from the corporate and entertainment world as franchise owners, the inaugural season of Ultimate Kho Kho feature six teams—Chennai Quick Guns (KLO Sports), Gujarat Giants (Adani Sportsline), Mumbai Khiladis (Badshah, Punit Balan & Janhavi Dhariwal Balan), Odisha Juggernauts (Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company), Rajasthan Warriors (Capri Global) and Telugu Yoddhas (GMR Sports)—fighting for the title of first-ever Ultimate Kho Kho. And as the league’s tagline ‘India Maar Chalaang’ depicts, the game is all set for the transition from mud to mat and pole to the podium through Ultimate Kho Kho. It will be a lifetime opportunity for the players to impress the fans with their top-notch game and become national stars.
Kho Kho in Popular Culture and Media
Kho Kho has long been a part of India’s cultural heritage, and its presence in popular culture has helped keep the sport alive in the public consciousness. The sport has been depicted in Indian films, television shows, and literature, often symbolizing teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.
Kho-Kho (2013)A Marathi-language film directed by Kedar Shinde and starring Bharat Jadhav, Kranti Redkar, Prajakta Mali, and Siddhartha Jadhav.
One of the notable representations of Kho Kho in Indian cinema is the Marathi film Sur Sapata (2019), which tells the story of a group of young boys from a rural village who aspire to win a Kho Kho championship. The film highlights the challenges faced by these young athletes and their determination to succeed despite the odds.
Kho Kho (2021)A Malayalam-language sports drama film written and directed by Rahul Riji Nair and starring Rajisha Vijayan and Mamitha Baiju. The film is about a physical education teacher who takes a job at an underprivileged school and forms a girls’ Kho-Kho team. Some say the film has realistic Kho-Kho game sequences, good supporting roles, and a nuanced performance by Rajisha Vijayan
Kho Kho has also made appearances in various regional and national sports festivals, including the National Games of India and the Khelo India Youth Games. These events provide a platform for young Kho Kho players to compete at a high level and gain recognition for their skills.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Kho Kho faces several challenges in its quest for global recognition. The sport’s popularity remains largely confined to the Indian subcontinent, with limited awareness in other parts of the world. The lack of infrastructure and financial support for the sport outside India has hindered its growth on the international stage.
Moreover, the commercialization of sports globally has led to increased competition for attention and resources. Sports like cricket, football, and basketball, which have massive global followings, overshadow traditional sports like Kho Kho. To address these challenges, the KKFI, AKKF, IKKF and other stakeholders have been working on various initiatives to popularize the sport, including digital campaigns, partnerships with international sports organizations, and grassroots development programs.
One of the key areas of focus for the IKKF is the inclusion of Kho Kho in the Olympic Games. While this is a long-term goal, the federation has been working on fulfilling the necessary criteria, such as the establishment of a global governing body, the inclusion of the sport in more international multi-sport events, and the development of a standardized global rulebook.
Another important aspect of promoting Kho Kho is ensuring gender equality in the sport. The KKFI has been actively promoting women’s participation in Kho Kho, organizing separate national championships and encouraging the inclusion of women in coaching and administrative roles. The success of India’s women’s team in international tournaments has inspired many young girls to take up the sport, and efforts are being made to provide them with better training facilities and opportunities.
Conclusion
Kho Kho is not just a sport; it is a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations. From its ancient origins as a training exercise for warriors to its current status as a competitive sport with international recognition, Kho Kho has come a long way. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and agility continues to resonate with players and fans alike.
While Kho Kho faces challenges in its quest for global recognition, the sport’s rich history and cultural significance provide a strong foundation for its future growth. With continued efforts from the KKFI, AKKF, IKKF, the Indian government, and international sports organizations, Kho Kho has the potential to become a globally recognized sport, inspiring future generations to carry forward this ancient tradition.
😍 that’ impressive prince bhai