Kho Kho federation seeks nationwide registration, looks to provide pathway

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has launched a registration drive targeting school students across India to unearth talent in the sport. This comes immediately after the announcement of India preparing to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup at New Delhi's IGI Stadium from January 13 to 19.

“This digital registration campaign, in collaboration with the Society Of Digital Entrepreneurs (SODE), has reached 7,132 cities and 1,160 schools across India. From the southern state of Telangana to Uttar Pradesh in the north, till now students from classes 6 to 11 have actively registered in this one-of-a-kind innovative grassroots program,” said a statement from the KKFI.

The federation is trying to ensure that registered students will receive regular updates about playing opportunities, potential career paths, and other benefits through their digital platform.

It seeks to create a sustainable pathway for young athletes while preserving and promoting India's sporting heritage.

SM Tyagi, the General Secretary of KKFI, outlined the purpose of the initiative.

“Our dream is to connect more than 50 lakh students before the World Cup in January. If we manage to do that, we will also connect 50 lakh families to the world of Kho Kho,” said Tyagi.

“I've been associated with Kho Kho since 1964 - as a player, as a coach, and now as the General Secretary. What I've observed is that to grow and advance any sport, we need such registration drives.”

KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal said he wants to elevate Kho Kho to Olympic standards.

“As India sets its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, we're committed to elevating Kho Kho to Olympic standards. This registration drive is more than just building a database; it's about creating an ecosystem that will nurture future champions and take this Indigenous sport to the global stage. We aim to make Kho Kho not just India's pride, but a sport that captures the world's imagination.”

As of now, Argentina have joined the countries that confirmed their participation in the upcoming World Cup.

Tags : Kho Kho, India, Sudhanshu Mittal, SM Tyagi, KKFI, Olympic, Argentina