Kurukshetra, Jan 31 (.) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said his government would extend support for establishing a state-level Residential Kho Kho Academy and an under-16 Kho Kho League.
Inaugurating the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & girls) 2025-26 at Keshav Park here, Saini expressed happiness over Haryana hosting such a reputed national-level championship in the sport.
“I am happy to see that teams from all across the length and breadth of India have come, and the enthusiasm for the traditional game of Kho Kho is rising throughout the country,” said Saini.
“Kho Kho is not just a game; it is the fragrance of the Indian soil. It is our collective responsibility to promote our traditional games and establish these games globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a great vision of India preparing for the 2036 Olympics and establishing our nation as a global power in sports. Programmes like Khelo India and Fit India are the outcome of this vision,” said the CM.
“I assure President of Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association (HSKKA) Jawahar Singh Yadav of all support from the state government in establishing a state-level residential Kho Kho academy and an under-16 Kho Kho league in Haryana,” added Saini.
He also promised Rs 21 lakhs to HSKKA for organising the ongoing championship.
“I am confident that Kho Kho will be included in the Commonwealth Games (2030) at Ahmedabad and in the Asian Games 2030. Also, as a demo sport in the Olympics (2032)”, said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
The prestigious national event features 70 teams – 35 boys’ and 35 girls’ teams – representing 27 states, 5 union Territories, and 3 associate member associations. The Championship is organised by Haryana Sports Kho Kho Association (HSKKA) under the aegis of Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
Around 1,100 players, supported by 300 coaches and technical officials, are taking part in the championship. The event is being conducted on five playfields, including three mat fields, and follows a league-cum-knockout format with 120 matches scheduled over the first three days.
The first day witnessed around 40 matches including in both boys and girls categories. Pre-quarter finals and quarter finals are on February 3, while the Championship would conclude on February 4 with semi-finals and finals on the same day. . . .