(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, a massive celebration unfolded in Ahmedabad with a record 152 teams taking part in the Khele Sanand Sports League. This exciting Kho Kho tournament kicked off at the Sanskardham Campus in Godhavi on Wednesday, turning into a vibrant showcase of India’s traditional game. Hundreds of young athletes from the under-14 category – 91 girls’ teams and 61 boys’ teams – hit the field, displaying incredible speed and skill in one of the country’s oldest indigenous sports.
The event, organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), promises months of thrilling matches that will run until March next year. It’s all about building a strong grassroots sports culture and getting kids excited about traditional Indian games like Kho Kho.
The opening ceremony added star power with two Kho Kho legends as chief guests. Pratik Waikar, captain of India’s World Cup-winning men’s team, joined Nirmala Bhati, who led the Indian squad in the India-Nepal Test Series in Kathmandu and played as Wazir in the gold medal-winning team at the Kho Kho World Cup. Their presence fired up the young players, inspiring them to chase big dreams in this fast-paced game.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of KKFI, shared his thoughts on the occasion: “It’s truly symbolic that on the 75th birthday of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, so many youngsters are embracing an indigenous sport like Kho Kho in huge numbers. PM Modi has always pushed for Bharatiya Khel and local traditions, and this event shows that vision coming alive at the grassroots level.”
Upkar Singh Virk, KKFI’s General Secretary, highlighted the growing buzz around Kho Kho. “Youth enthusiasm for the game is rising every day, thanks to government efforts in promoting indigenous sports. Now, with job opportunities in government sectors and official recognition, more young talents are jumping in.”
M.S. Tyagi, KKFI’s Chairman for Organisation and Administration, added a heartfelt note: “Most of these kids come from simple families, and for them, Kho Kho isn’t just a game – it’s a path to discipline, fitness, dreams, and a better way of life. Seeing 152 teams come together on this special day is a big tribute to the Prime Minister’s vision and a huge step forward for Kho Kho’s future.”
This tournament arrives at a perfect time, right before the third season of Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), the pro league where international players will debut for the first time. It spotlights Kho Kho’s rapid global growth and its power to create future stars.
As the young athletes dashed across the field with energy and teamwork, the event truly captured Kho Kho’s rising popularity in India. It stands as a strong nod to PM Modi’s push for indigenous sports and a thriving sports scene from the ground up.
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