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United News of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Kho Kho secures spot in major national sports calendars
New Delhi, July 29 (UNI) In yet another major milestone for Kho Kho, the sport has now been formally included in the annual sports calendar of All India Electricity Sports Control Board (AIESCB), the premier governing body committed to the regulation and advancement of sports within the electricity sector across India which is a development that underscores the sport's rising stature. The announcement was made during the AIESCB's General Body Meeting held in Mumbai, where the sport was recognised as an official discipline alongside 16 other sports like cricket, football, kabaddi, badminton, hockey, tennis among others. This significant development marks a growing trend among government and semi-government organizations to embrace Kho Kho as a mainstream sport, thereby expanding its presence across major sporting calendars of various, government, non-government and autonomous bodies. With Kho Kho being included in the AIESCB's sports calendar, players now have increased avenues for stable careers through employment quotas in sports, providing further motivation for aspiring athletes to take up the game professionally. Kho Kho is already part of the sporting calendars of Services Sports Control Board and Railways Sports Promotion Board. The development not only highlights the sport's evolution from traditional roots to a professional format but also creates new employment opportunities through departmental teams and job reservations in various government sectors. "Kho Kho's inclusion in major sports calendars is much more than a symbolic recognition, it's a validation of the sport's growing relevance across India," said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India. 'We are witnessing a major shift where a traditional Indian game is now commanding space at the highest institutional levels. This will inspire thousands of youth from rural and semi-urban India to pursue Kho Kho as a viable career option.' In a further affirmation of the sport's growing national stature, Kho Kho was also introduced for the first time in the Supreme Court of India's Annual Sports Meet earlier this month. This inclusion by a prestigious institution of national importance indicates the expanding visibility of Kho Kho in elite circles, both in terms of participation and recognition. The increasing adoption of Kho Kho by government and autonomous bodies contributes to the broader nationwide movement that aims to democratize sports participation and provide platforms for indigenous games to thrive. As the sport continues its upward trajectory, inclusion of the sport in major sporting calendars are playing a pivotal role in shaping a future where Kho Kho athletes have access to structured employment, sustained growth opportunities, and a pathway to represent India at national and international events. With more government bodies expected to follow suit, the future of Kho Kho as a sport and profession looks increasingly bright, bringing pride to its rich heritage and newfound momentum to its modern resurgence. UNI RKM
Malaysia Sun
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Malaysia Sun
Kho Kho expands global presence with debut in Singapore
Singapore City [Singapore], July 20 (ANI): In a landmark step toward globalising one of India's oldest indigenous sports, Kho Kho made its debut in Singapore, marking an iconic day for the sport in the country. An exhibition match was played between the Kho Kho Association of Singapore and the Kho Kho Association of Malaysia, in which the national side of Singapore made its first appearance against the Malaysian side, who had participated in the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held in India. The landmark event on Friday was organised by the Asian Kho Kho Federation (AKKF) in association with the Kho Kho Association of Singapore (KKAS) at Jurong West Secondary School. The full-day event aimed to introduce and promote Kho Kho in the country through a blend of training sessions, theory presentations, and exhibition matches. Speaking on the occasion, Sudhanshu Mittal, President, International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) and Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) said, as per a KKFI press release, 'Today is a historic day for Kho Kho as we mark its official debut in Singapore. The establishment of the Asian Kho Kho Federation here signifies the beginning of the sport's expansion not only in Southeast Asia but across the entire Asian continent. From school clinics to international fixtures like Malaysia vs Singapore, the momentum is real. Kho Kho is a game like no other, combining agility, speed, reflexes, and stamina in a way that no other sport does. We are proud that this growth is being led by committed and competent hands.' A clinical session was conducted by officials of the Kho Kho Association of Malaysia, attended by 180 kids from different parts of Singapore. This was followed by theoretical presentations and a practical training workshop, which involved teaching fundamental skills, rules, and strategies of Kho Kho. A friendly match was then played between the kids to test the skills they had learned from the clinic. Speaking about the landmark event, Aslam Sher Khan, President, Asia Kho Kho Federation, said, 'This exhibition match between Singapore and Malaysia is a landmark initiative in the international journey of Kho Kho. It represents our shared vision to bring this dynamic, traditional sport to new audiences across Southeast Asia. Beyond the match itself, the event is about inspiring communities, nurturing young talent, and building a strong foundation for Kho Kho to thrive at the grassroots level.' Also sharing his thoughts on the occasion was Kshitij Aggarwal, Co-Secretary, Asian Kho Kho Federation, 'Today marked a historic milestone for Kho Kho in Singapore. Our national team, formed just three months ago, gave a spirited performance against experienced Malaysian opponents. The Kho Kho Day event saw enthusiastic participation from over 100 students, with four school team matches and media coverage. We're optimistic about the sport's growth in the region and look forward to hosting more such events.' The national teams of Singapore and Malaysia then featured in an exhibition match, which had Malaysia's experienced national team, which participated in the World Cup in India, against Singapore's newly formed national team. The Singapore team gave a good fight, making the match thrilling to watch and demonstrating their growth and potential in the sport. The event was attended by M. Sathasivam, General Secretary of the Asian Kho Kho Federation; Kshitij Aggarwal, Co-Secretary of the Asian Kho Kho Federation; and Sanya Singh Aggarwal, Executive Director of the Asian Kho Kho Federation. This historic initiative marks a significant milestone in Kho Kho's international journey and sets the stage for further development programs across Asia and beyond, thus increasing the global footprint of the sport. (ANI)
New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Meet V Subramani: The Kho Kho player from TN whose journey is shaped by grit, hunger and sacrifice
Now pursuing an MA in English Literature at KG College of Arts and Science, Subramani says the turning point came when Chief Minister M K Stalin awarded him Rs 25 lakh for his World Cup achievement. 'We've repaid our loans and started building a new house,' he says. His love for Kho Kho began in Class 6 at TNGR Higher Secondary School in Varadharajapuram, where his elder brother Saravanan, also a Kho Kho player, introduced him to the game. 'My parents didn't approve of it initially. When I failed one subject, they scolded me and told me to quit. But I just couldn't — I was too passionate,' he says. Over the years, Subramani carved out a place for himself in the sport — representing Tamil Nadu in four senior nationals, four South Zone college tournaments, a senior South Zone men's national, and a senior national game. He also played for Telugu Yoddhas in 2023 and Gujarat Giants in 2024. At the World Cup, he stood out in the quarter-final clash against Sri Lanka, winning the Best Attacker award. 'That was a special moment. I felt everything I'd gone through was worth it,' he says. Despite his achievements, the union government is yet to recognise his contribution by offering him a government job — a form of security many athletes in lesser-known sports hope for after their playing years. His school PE teacher, Dr M Ashok Kumar — now an assistant professor at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science — says this needs to change. 'Kho Kho players deserve the same recognition and job security as athletes in other sports. If we want more Subramanis, the system has to support them,' he says. But Subramani isn't one to dwell on uncertainty. 'I want to keep playing as long as I can,' he says. 'And I want to train the next generation of Tamil Nadu players, so that India keeps winning this title, year after year.' The medals will tarnish, the limelight may fade. But somewhere in Coimbatore, one young man keeps chasing — not just for himself, but for every child who dreams of turning struggle into strength, and silence into a story worth telling. (Edited by Mary Catherene)
News18
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shagun Pandey, Mohak Matkar Play Kho Kho With Saru's Cast And Crew
The set of Saru turned into a playground, and laughter echoed across as everyone played, ran, and cheered, reminding them of school days. The latest fiction TV drama, Saru, continues to captivate audiences with its slice-of-life storytelling, rural charm, and emotionally rich characters. And in the upcoming episodes, the show will take viewers down a nostalgic trip with a high-energy Kho Kho sequence. In a refreshing twist to the otherwise intense drama, lead characters Ved (Shagun Pandey) and Saru (Mohak Matkar) will take part in the lively game that promises to charm audiences on screen. But what started as a scripted scene quickly evolved into an impromptu match, with Shagun, Mohak, and other members of the cast and crew diving into the game with genuine enthusiasm during their break. The set turned into a playground, and laughter echoed across as everyone played, ran, and cheered, reminding them of school days. This sequence not only added energy to the narrative, but it also brought smiles to everyone's face behind the scenes. Reflecting on the experience, Shagun Pandey shared, 'It honestly felt like we were transported back to our school days. Kho Kho was such a big part of my childhood, and playing it again with Mohak and the whole team was pure joy. We were running around like kids, forgetting everything else." 'I remember playing barefoot on dusty fields, getting scolded for coming home late, and collecting small bruises that we used to wear like trophies. Recreating that energy on set, especially with everyone joining in, was truly special. We work long hours and often forget to pause and have fun, so moments like these are a real breather. It brought the whole team closer, and I think that joy will come through on screen too," she recalled. While the mood off-screen is light-hearted, Saru is gearing up for intense emotional drama on-screen. With tensions rising in the Bajaj household, the question that echoes through the minds of many is, will Saru finally uncover her true identity as the true granddaughter of the family, or will Anika (Anushka Merchande) succeed in her manipulative plans to sideline her out of the house? Set in a rustic village setting, Saru explores themes of tradition, family ties, and personal growth. As the drama intensifies and new revelations come to light, don't miss watching the gripping twists and touching moments in Saru at 7:30 PM on Zee TV every day. First Published: July 11, 2025, 18:31 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Ultimate Kho Kho appoints Dhiraj Parasher as CEO to lead global expansion ahead of Season 3 kickoff on November 29
New Delhi [India], July 5 (ANI): Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), India's first professional Kho Kho league, today announced the appointment of Dhiraj Parasher as its new Chief Executive Officer, a pivotal leadership move as the league prepares to welcome international players for the first time in its most ambitious edition yet, with Season 3 kicking off on November 29, according to a release from UKK. With talent from around the globe set to participate for the first time, Parasher's appointment comes at a strategic inflection point. UKK is looking to scale operations, attract global audiences, and deepen fan engagement, building on its reputation as one of the fastest-growing non-cricket sports properties in the country. Parasher brings over two decades of experience across sports, entertainment, consulting, and brand development. Known for his strategic acumen and innovative approach, he has held leadership roles at the Adani Group and Ernst & Young, and was instrumental in developing sports infrastructure and organising major events, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Furthermore, Parasher has worked closely with federations, state governments, and franchise-led models to build long-term sporting ecosystems, including a significant contribution to grassroots sport development with the Government of Jharkhand during his stint with E&Y. Amit Burman, Promoter, Ultimate Kho Kho, welcomed the appointment, 'Dhiraj's leadership aligns perfectly with our vision to take UKK to the next level. His strategic mindset and deep-rooted knowledge of grassroots sport will help us scale UKK's reach, especially among digitally savvy fans, while staying true to the cultural core of Kho Kho,' as quoted from a release by UKK. Building on this momentum, Parasher will lead UKK's next phase of growth, driving strategic expansion, operational excellence, and stakeholder alliances with a mandate to establish the league as a globally scalable yet culturally rooted sports property. 'Ultimate Kho Kho is the culmination of India's ambition to take a traditional sport to the global stage,' said Dhiraj Parasher, CEO, Ultimate Kho Kho. 'As India prepares to include indigenous games in global platforms like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, my focus is on building UKK into a league of global relevance -- one powered by international participation, cutting-edge broadcasting, and next-gen community engagement. Season 3 is a strategic launchpad -- a step towards making Kho Kho a scalable and exportable sport for the world,' he added. A Delhi University alumnus, Parasher is also known for championing sport-for-change initiatives and building inclusive, purpose-driven sporting platforms. His appointment is expected to further UKK's ambitions of being not just a professional league, but a national movement that inspires pride and participation in India's sporting heritage. (ANI)
