KHO KHO WORLD CUP 2025

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RULES

The World Cup will be using the 7-aside rules.

The game involves two roles: chasers, who attempt to tag the runners, and runners, who try to avoid being tagged. The primary goal is to tag the opposing team’s players within a set time to score points. A match consists of two innings, each divided into two turns of SEVEN minutes where teams alternate between chasing and running.

Specific terminologies in Kho Kho include:

– Pole: The wooden structures at each end of the field.

– Chaser: The player who attempts to tag the runner.

– Runner: The player avoiding being tagged by the chaser.

– Central Lane: The main lane running between the poles.

– Cross Lane: Lanes that intersect the central lane, forming squares where chasers sit.

– Kho: The act of passing the chase from one chaser to another by touching and calling out “Kho”.

– Early Getup: When a sitting chaser gets up before receiving a Kho.

– Late Kho: Delay in giving a Kho to another chaser.

– Lobby: The free space surrounding the playfield.

– Free Zone: The area next to the poles where direction rules do not apply.

Chasers must move in the direction they initially choose and can only change direction after reaching a pole. Chasers can pass the chase to a teammate by touching their back and shouting “Kho”. They must touch a pole to change direction or halves. Runners must avoid being tagged for three minutes to score points. Each successful tag by a chaser scores points. Special tags like pole dives can earn extra points.

 

 

Tap here to read more rules about Kho Kho World Cup

How to Play Kho-Kho?

Game Setup

  • Kho Kho is played by two teams, each with 15 players, but only 9 players from each team take the field.
  • The game takes place on a rectangular field, typically around 29 by 16 meters.
  • A central lane divides the field lengthwise, and 8 wooden poles are placed at equal distances along the lane.
  • The field has two zones, each called an “end,” with players facing alternating directions.

Roles & Objective

Chasers :These players are responsible for tagging the opponents.

Runners :These players avoid getting tagged by dodging or using the poles.

  • The main goal is to tag as many players on the opposing team as possible within a set time.
  • The team that tags the most players or tags all opponents within the time limit wins the round.

Gameplay Flow

  • The game begins with the chasers kneeling along the central lane, facing alternate directions.
  • The active chaser starts chasing runners from the opposing team.
  • The chaser can tag the runners by touching them with their hand.
  • To change direction or pass the chase to a teammate, the chaser taps one of the poles, says “Kho,” and allows the next chaser to take over.
 

Rules for Chasers

  • Only one player (the active chaser) is allowed to chase at a time.
  • The active chaser can run in either direction along the central lane but cannot cross it or turn back.
  • A chaser can only tag a runner by hand, calling out “Kho” when passing the tag to the next chaser.
  • The chaser must say “Kho” clearly and audibly to signal the change.

Rules for Runners

  • Runners dodge the chasers by running around the central lane or using poles as a barrier.
  • Once a runner is tagged, they are out of the game until the inning changes.
  • Runners can’t step out of bounds or touch the central lane directly.
  • Runners can use the poles to change direction and dodge the chaser.
  • Runners are not allowed to cross the central lane or touch it directly.

Scoring and Winning

  • Each runner tagged by the chasers counts as one point for the chasing team.
  • Each team scores by tagging as many runners as possible.
  • After each inning, teams switch roles – chasers become runners and vice versa.
  • At the end of both innings, the team with the highest score wins.
  • If the scores are tied, an extra inning or sudden-death round may be played.
 

Key Skills

Agility and Reflexes :Both chasers and runners need to make quick decisions and movements.

Team Coordination :Chasers need good communication for smooth role changes.

Pole Utilization :Runners can use poles to evade tags; chasers use poles to switch directions.

Endurance :Kho Kho is fast-paced, so players need to pace their energy for sustained performance.

Strategies

Positioning and Anticipation :Chasers should position strategically to block runners’ escape routes.

Efficient Use of “Kho” :Switch roles only when needed to maintain energy and field coverage.

Deceptive Movements :Runners should use fake moves and pole dodges to mislead chasers.

Endurance Management :Both teams should pace their energy, with chasers avoiding unnecessary sprints and runners using strategic pauses.

Kho Kho World Cup in 2025
Official logo of Kho Kho World Cup 2025 unveiled at Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi.
KHO KHO WORLD CUP 2025
KHO KHO WORLD CUP 2025
KHO KHO WORLD CUP 2025
KHO KHO WORLD CUP 2025

KHO KHO PLAYING NATION AROUND THE GLOBE

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