An Overview

Kho Kho is an old Indian sport and its origin traces back to Maharashtra. In olden times the game was played on chariots or raths and was called Rathera. The present appearance of the game dates back to World War 1 in 1914. But at that time, the game had no specified rules or boundaries.

Lokmanya Tilak & Bhai Narorkar drafted the first-ever rules of the game at Deccan Gymkhana Club, Pune. The experts took no time to realize that the game demands the highest degree of quick and brisk movements, a very high grade of nerve reflexes, and tremendous stamina which are characteristic of a supreme athlete. The game requires all motor qualities like speed, endurance, flexibility, agility, strength, and neuromuscular coordination. As per merit, it is appreciated by the press, media, and spectators. Governor of Bombay Presidency H.E. Lord Willingdon also admired the merits and potentials of the game. The years 1923-24 saw the foundation of the Inter-School Sports Organization, and Kho Kho was introduced to develop at the grassroots and consequently popularize the sport. In the year 1955, Akhil Bharatiya Kho Kho Mandal was established and the first-ever All India Kho Kho Championship was organized at Vijay Wada, Andhra Pradesh in 1959-60 under the auspices of Kho Kho Federation of India.

Kho Kho was featured in the Asian Games, 1982 for the first time in New Delhi. It was appreciated by Asian countries. Due to the sincere efforts of Shri. Rajeev Mehta, President, Asian Kho Kho Federation and Secretary-General, Indian Olympic Association Kho Kho was featured in the 12th South Asian Games held at Guwahati, Assam from 5th to 9th February 2016. The game was appreciated by all Asian Countries and they ensured the development of the game in their countries respectively.

The 1st Asian Championship took place at Calcutta, West Bengal in 1996 followed by the 2nd Asian Championship in the year 2000 at Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 3rd Asian Championship was held in the month of April 2016 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The participating countries were Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Korea, and host country India.