Kurukshetra (Haryana), Jan 28 (.) Thirty-five boys and as many girls’ teams from 27 states, five union territories (UTs) and three associate member associations would vie for the title in the 35th Sub Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-26 from January 31 to February 4 at Kurukshetra in Haryana.
The UTs participating in the Championship are Puducherry, Ladakh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir. Teams of Madhya Bharat, Kolhapur and Vidarbha would also compete along with states and UTs .
“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,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
“It is a happy moment for Haryana. After the 2012 Junior National in Gurugram the Sub-Junior National of Kho Kho is happening in Haryana in 2026. union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will inaugurate the Championship on 31st January. Minister Haryana Krishan Lal Panwar and MP Rajya Sabha Shri Subhash Barala would also be present on the occasion. Hon’ble Minister Shri Krishna Kumar Bedi will visit during the Championship,” said Jawahar Singh Yadav, President, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association while addressing a press conference here at Kurukshetra.
“Shri Gaurav Gautam, Hon’ble Minister of State for Sports, Haryana, would be present at the closing ceremony,” added Shri Jawahar Singh Yadav.
The Championship at the Keshav Park, Kurukshetra would be conducted on 4 playfields including 3 mat fields. Mahender Kamboj, General Secretary, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association informed that around 1100 players are participating and 300 coaches & technical officials have been deployed for smooth conduct of the Championship.
Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), said, “I congratulate all the teams participating in the Championship. 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.”
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 the 6 continents. Youth are inclined to make a career in Kho Kho as it has
opportunities and recognition.”
Also present in the press conference were Sunita Khatri, Deputy Director, Sports Department, Government of Haryana, Adv. Brish Bhan, Treasurer, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association, Subhash Rohil, Vice President, Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association, 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 is league-cum-knockout basis with 120 matches scheduled for the first three days, pre-quarter finals and quarter finals on 03rd February, while semi-finals and finals on 04th February.
The 34th Sub Junior National Kho Kho Championship was held from September 28, to October 2, 2024 at Simdega, Jharkhand in which
Maharashtra bagged the title in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
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