ITV

Tag: International Kho Kho Federation

  • Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    MUMBAI: Kho Kho, the homegrown Indian game of agility and grit, just got a high-speed upgrade on and off the mat. As the sport stretches beyond its traditional roots to stake its claim on the global stage, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is playing tag with the future by launching its most advanced training initiative yet.

    The Advanced Level III-A Training Course for coaches and technical officials kicked off on June 2, 2025, at SGT University, Budhera, and will run till June 15. Organised by KKFI under the aegis of the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the course is no ordinary classroom drill, it’s a knowledge sprint featuring 20 international coaches and officials from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Australia, England, Korea and Malaysia, alongside 50 Indian coaches and 65 technical officials.

    From biomechanics to sports psychology, recovery techniques to anti-doping awareness, the curriculum mirrors a sport in metamorphosis. With morning fitness sessions and rigorous classroom modules, participants are being immersed in a next-gen playbook designed to take Kho Kho from kabaddi’s countryside cousin to a globally recognised sport.

    5 June was a masterclass in modernisation with sessions on sports science by Pooja Bhati, anti-doping education by Vikas Tyagi and Anurag, and tactical training by legendary coach H. V. Nataraj. The day began with a sweat-inducing physical drill by Ashwani Sharma, reinforcing the discipline behind the dash.

    “This course reflects our commitment to preparing a new generation of coaches and officials who are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and international exposure to take Kho Kho to the next level,” said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. He also underlined how the sport is evolving with mat-based gameplay, a Decision Review System (DRS) and even the strategic ‘Wazir’ role.

    The training for coaches wraps up on June 11 with a practical exam and reflective session, before the officials’ segment begins from 12–15 June.

    With 135 participants in total and a syllabus as sharp as the game’s signature sprints, this course is more than just a seminar, it’s Kho Kho’s statement of intent. The message is clear: India isn’t just where the game began. It’s where the global future of Kho Kho is being written one pivot, one pass, and now, one world-class coach at a time.

  • Nasreen Shaikh wins BBC Sportswoman Award as kho kho’s star rises

    Nasreen Shaikh wins BBC Sportswoman Award as kho kho’s star rises

    MUMBAI: In a game of inches and intense competition, Nasreen Shaikh has secured the ultimate victory not just on the field, but off it as well. The former captain of the Indian women’s kho-kho team and Arjuna Awardee has clinched the coveted BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year – Changemaker Award. The award, which took centre stage at the Taj Palace, New Delhi on 17 February 2025, recognises her monumental role in elevating kho kho both nationally and internationally.

    This recognition follows the resounding success of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, held in Delhi, where India dominated by winning both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Shaikh’s rise mirrors the sport’s own trajectory, transforming kho kho from a regional pastime to a global contender.

    Shaikh’s reaction? “Kho Kho is more than a sport; it’s a passion that has shaped my life,” she said, reflecting on the award. “This honour acknowledges not just my journey but the efforts of every athlete striving to make a mark in Indian sports. I am grateful for this recognition and eager to take Kho Kho to even bigger stages.”

    International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Sudhanshu Mittal presented the award, praising Shaikh’s contributions. He remarked, “Her dedication has not only brought glory to Indian sports but has also brought Kho Kho into the spotlight. Nasreen is an inspiration, and we are confident she will continue to lead the sport to new heights.”

    This prestigious recognition places kho kho in the spotlight, revealing its growing global appeal and the potential it holds as an exciting, high-intensity sport. As Shaikh continues to make waves, it’s clear that kho kho’s future is looking more competitive and commercially viable than ever.