Celebrating Young Kho Kho Champions: Inspiring Stories from the Delhi Championship
Inspiring Stories of Young Champions
Manu: Senior Women's Best Player
At just 21 years old, Manu earned the title of best player in the senior women's division during the recent Delhi State Kho Kho Championship. This recognition has significantly boosted her confidence as she aspires to represent India in international competitions. Her mother, Renu Devi, who works as a housemaid near their modest home in Badli, expressed immense joy over Manu's achievement, as reported by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
"My mother works tirelessly to support our family. My father is no longer with us, leaving us to fend for ourselves," Manu shared. "I dream of securing a government position through the sports quota to ease my mother's burdens," she added, inspired by her coach Krishna Yadav, who is employed in the postal service.
Geeta: Sub-Junior Girls' Best Player
Geeta: Sub-Junior Girls' Best Player
Alongside Manu was 12-year-old Geeta, who received the best player award in the sub-junior girls' category. Her father, Om Prakash Kushwaha, works as a laborer at construction sites, while her mother balances her time as a housemaid during the day and a chowkidar at night. "I have two brothers and three sisters. I began playing Kho Kho in class 4 and am now in class 7. I aim to excel in both my studies and sports," Geeta stated with determination.
Anshika: Junior Girls' Best Player
Anshika: Junior Girls' Best Player
16-year-old Anshika, who claimed the title in the junior girls' category, later joined the conversation, praising her father, Malkhan, for raising her with the same expectations as a son. "He even let me have a boy's haircut. His support motivates me to aim for a career as a senior police officer and to compete in the next Kho Kho World Cup," Anshika expressed. Malkhan proudly stated, "My daughter is my pride, and I believe she will achieve great things and make our nation proud."
Madan: Senior Men's Best Player
Madan: Senior Men's Best Player
21-year-old Madan, awarded the best player in the senior men's category, shares a similar ambition with Anshika: to join the Indian Kho Kho team for the upcoming World Cup. "My mother, Sukmaya, works in homes nearby, cleaning dishes and clothes, while my younger sister, Manisha, is employed at a parlor. We lost our father over five years ago due to kidney failure," Madan recounted. He has an impressive history, having participated in various national competitions, including Khelo India Youth Games and the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship. "I strive to provide financial stability for my family and will continue to work hard to achieve my dreams," he affirmed.
Junior and Sub-Junior Boys' Winners
Junior and Sub-Junior Boys' Winners
17-year-old Abhishek, who won the best player award in the junior boys' category, is currently in class 11. His father sells vegetables, while his mother works as a maid, and his elder brother is employed at a chemist shop. "I want to make my father proud and ensure he experiences better days, as he goes above and beyond to meet my needs," Abhishek stated.
13-year-old Rohit, who received the award in the sub-junior boys' category, comes from a family of laborers. He admires the renowned Kho Kho player Ramji Kashyap and has been playing Kho Kho for just a year, practicing diligently at the Kho Kho playfield at Govt. Girls Sr Secondary School, Kohat Enclave.
The Vision for Kho Kho's Future
From the Coach's Corner
Ashwini Sharma, the World Cup-winning coach, emphasized the uniqueness of each child, stating, "Every child possesses distinct abilities and skills. I focus on enhancing their strengths while addressing their weaknesses."
KKFI's Commitment to Players
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), highlighted the transformative impact of Kho Kho on athletes from modest backgrounds. "Kho Kho has evolved into a modern sport, and it brings me great joy to see how it has changed the lives of players and their families. The sport now offers opportunities and recognition that attract youth and enable them to pursue careers in it. Their aspirations are our aspirations, and we support them," Mittal stated.
MS Tyagi, Chairman of Administration & Organisation at KKFI, echoed similar sentiments, noting, "The future belongs to traditional games like Kho Kho."
Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary of KKFI, remarked, "The prospects for Kho Kho are bright, and these talented young athletes have a promising future ahead."
Championship and Upcoming Tournaments
Championship and Upcoming Tournaments
The Delhi State Kho Kho Championship concluded on December 14th, with teams from Northwest Delhi winning titles across all categories.
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is set to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to January 19, 2025, featuring participation from 23 countries across six continents. Additionally, India will host the first Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9th to March 14th, 2026, with over 24 nations expected to participate.