India is at the forefront of global celebrations for International Kho Kho Day, showcasing the sport's rich heritage and increasing international recognition, with the ultimate goal of Olympic inclusion. Celebrations took place worldwide on June 30th, with India spearheading the festivities.
The day commenced with a high-energy rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where hundreds of players, coaches, and students marched together, led by officials from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). The event highlighted Kho Kho's evolution from a traditional Indian game to a fast-growing global movement.
Organized by KKFI, the celebrations included a magic show and a quiz competition focused on the sport's history, rules, and evolution. These events fostered community spirit and raised awareness about Kho Kho's expanding international reach. National Kho Kho Day was also observed, with state federations hosting events across their regions. Various district associations of Manipur also observed the day by holding Kho Kho matches and raising awareness about the sport's benefits.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of KKFI and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), expressed his congratulations to the Kho Kho family, noting that the sport has become a symbol of pride and identity for the nation. He highlighted that Kho Kho is now played in 56 countries, with local citizens actively participating. Mittal affirmed the commitment to including Kho Kho in the 2030 Asian Games and aiming for its presence in the 2032 Olympic Games.
Dr. M S Tyagi, General Secretary of KKFI, shared his pride in the global Kho Kho community's enthusiasm in celebrating International Kho Kho Day. He emphasized that the day unites the Kho Kho family and represents the spirit and soul of the game. Their shared vision is to elevate Kho Kho to greater heights, with aspirations of seeing it represented in global arenas like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Support from over 30 countries, including Australia, Iran, Nepal, Peru, Vietnam, England, and Bangladesh, demonstrates a global commitment to Kho Kho.
This year's International Kho Kho Day also marked the launch of the first Advanced III-A Level Training Programme for coaches and officials, attracting over 230 participants, including international figures. Adding to the momentum, Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) will include international players in its auction for the first time, with Season 3 set to begin on November 29.
Kho Kho has been accepted into major sports events such as Khelo India and the National Games of India, supported by its simplicity and affordability. Indian officials are aiming to include Kho Kho in the Asian Games and the Olympics.
The Kho Kho World Cup, sanctioned by the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), had its inaugural tournament in New Delhi in January 2025. It featured 20 men's and 19 women's teams from 23 countries across six continents. India won both the men's and women's titles, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Sports, has expressed the government's desire to promote traditional Indian sports globally, including the Olympics. If India secures hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics, Kho Kho is among the sports the Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell plans to recommend for inclusion.
With India's leadership, Kho Kho's international growth demonstrates an exciting trajectory, with the dream of Olympic recognition now closer than ever.
