Exciting 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship Set for January in Telangana
Overview of the Championship
The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship is set to take place from January 11 to 15, 2025, in Kazipet, Telangana. A total of 38 men's and women's teams from 26 states, 6 Union Territories, 4 institutions, and 3 Associate Member Associations will compete for the championship title.
New Team Compositions
To enhance competitiveness and showcase top talent, this year will see the central paramilitary forces participating as a unified Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) team. Players from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will compete together in both men's and women's divisions, as announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India.
Additionally, state police forces will form a joint team under the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB), featuring athletes from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab.
Participating Union Territories and Institutions
The Union Territories participating in this championship include Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.
Institutional teams will consist of representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), the AIPSCB, and the CAPFs.
The Associate Member Associations involved are Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat.
Insights from KKFI Officials
"The Senior Nationals will feature the best talents from across the country. Kho Kho is evolving into a globally competitive sport that provides thrilling entertainment," stated Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
"Matches will be held in morning and afternoon sessions, with floodlights installed for evening games. The championship will utilize 6 courts, including 4 mat courts. The integration of sports science and technology has significantly enhanced the game's profile," added Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary of KKFI.
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.
Local Arrangements and Support
"The championship will take place at the Railway Stadium in Kazipet. Approximately 164 technical officials, along with 80 coaches and members of the Kho Kho Federation of India and Telangana Kho Kho Association, will ensure the event runs smoothly," remarked N Krishnamurthy, Secretary of the Telangana Kho Kho Association.
Recap of the Previous Championship
The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship was conducted in Puri, Odisha, from March 31 to April 4, 2025. The Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) claimed victory in the men's category, while Maharashtra triumphed in the women's division.