The Delhi State Kho Kho Championship once again proved that talent, determination, and hard work can rise above socio-economic challenges, as several young players from humble backgrounds delivered outstanding performances and set their sights on representing India at the international level.
Among the standout performers was 21-year-old Manu, who was awarded the Best Player honour in the senior women’s category. Calling the recognition a major boost to her morale, Manu said it strengthened her dream of playing for the Indian Kho Kho team in international tournaments. Living in Badli, Manu credits her mother, Renu Devi, a housemaid, for her unwavering support.
“My mother works very hard to sustain the family. My father no longer lives with us,” Manu said. “I hope to secure a government job through the sports quota one day and relieve my mother of her struggles. My coach Krishna Yadav, who works in the postal department, is my inspiration.”
In the sub-junior girls’ category, 12-year-old Geeta claimed the Best Player award. Her father, Om Prakash Kushwaha, works as a construction labourer, while her mother works as a housemaid during the day and a chowkidar at night. Despite financial challenges, Geeta remains focused on balancing education and sports.
“I started playing Kho Kho in Class 4. Now I am in Class 7. I want to continue my studies and excel in sports,” she said confidently.
The junior girls’ title was won by 16-year-old Anshika, who praised her father Malkhan for supporting her dreams unconditionally.
“He raised me like a son and always encouraged me. I want to become a senior police officer and also play in the next Kho Kho World Cup,” said Anshika.
Expressing pride, Malkhan said, “One day she will achieve great heights and make the nation proud.”
In the senior men’s category, 21-year-old Madan bagged the Best Player award. Having lost his father over five years ago, Madan is supported by his mother Sukmaya, who works in households, and his younger sister Manisha, who works at a parlour. A seasoned player with experience in school nationals, Khelo India Youth Games, the Ultimate Kho Kho League, and the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship, Madan dreams of representing India at the next Kho Kho World Cup.
“I want to end the struggles of my mother and sister by providing financial security to my family,” he said.
The junior boys’ category saw 17-year-old Abhishek emerge as the best player. A Class 11 student, Abhishek’s father sells vegetables, while his mother works as a maid and his elder brother at a chemist shop.
“My father goes beyond his capacity to support my needs. I want to make him proud and show him better days,” Abhishek said.
In the sub-junior boys’ category, 13-year-old Rohit impressed everyone with his performance. The son of labourers, Rohit has been playing Kho Kho for just one year and idolises renowned player Ramji Kashyap. He trains at the Kho Kho playfield at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Kohat Enclave.
World Cup-winning coach Ashwini Sharma, who mentors these players, highlighted the importance of personalised coaching.
“Each child has different abilities. My focus is on enhancing their inherent strengths while helping them improve their weak areas,” he said.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), said the sport has played a transformative role in the lives of athletes from modest backgrounds.
“Kho Kho is now a modern sport with growing opportunities and recognition. Seeing players uplift their families through the game gives us immense satisfaction. Their dreams are our dreams,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, MS Tyagi, Chairman (Administration & Organisation), KKFI, stated, “The coming era belongs to traditional games like Kho Kho.”
Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI, added, “Kho Kho is a promising sport, and these talented young players have a bright future ahead.”
The Delhi State Kho Kho Championship concluded on December 14, with teams from Northwest Delhi clinching titles across all categories.
With the successful hosting of the first Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi (January 13–19, 2025), which featured 23 countries from six continents, the sport continues to gain global momentum. India is now set to host the Inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to March 14, 2026, with participation expected from more than 24 nations, further strengthening Kho Kho’s growing international stature.