58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship Kicks Off with Enthusiastic Participation

The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship has officially commenced at Railway Stadium, attracting over 1,400 athletes from across India. The grand opening ceremony featured dignitaries, cultural performances, and a vision for the future of Kho Kho. With teams from 26 states and various territories participating, the event promises to be a significant milestone in promoting the sport. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with matches scheduled over two days. Read on to learn more about this exciting event and its implications for Kho Kho in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 22:00 IST

Inauguration of the Championship

The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship for both men and women commenced at Railway Stadium on Sunday, featuring over 1,400 athletes from various regions of India.

Grand Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was graced by Telangana's Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Vakiti Srihari. The event showcased a vibrant team parade, an impressive NCC march-past, and lively cultural performances. Notable attendees included Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), General Secretary Upkar Singh Virk, Treasurer Govind Sharma, and other officials from the KKFI and Telangana Kho Kho Association.

Vision for Kho Kho

Sudhanshu Mittal expressed his delight at the large turnout, stating, "It is heartening to witness such a grand Senior Nationals with extensive participation. Every Kho Kho player dreams of elevating their sport, and we aim to be part of the 2030 Commonwealth Games."

Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari remarked, "This event feels like a celebration in Delhi rather than Kazipet, with teams from all corners of India participating. I extend my gratitude to Sudhanshu Mittal, Upkar Singh, and Janga Raghava Reddy for their efforts in organizing this event."

Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the state government would fully support the Championship, emphasizing the need to promote Kho Kho.

Participation and Tournament Structure

The championship includes teams from 26 states, 6 Union Territories, 4 institutional units, and 3 Associate Member Associations, showcasing the expanding popularity of Kho Kho in India.

Match Schedule

The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with pre-quarter and quarter-final matches scheduled for January 14, followed by semi-finals and finals on January 15.