Top young players from affiliated states and organisations took the field in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship, which began at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur, Bengaluru, on Wednesday.
The first day was action-packed, with around 40 matches played in both girls’ and boys’ categories. The championship is being conducted on a league-cum-knockout basis, with the semifinals and finals scheduled for January 3 and 4, respectively.
Around 1,000 athletes are participating in the Junior Nationals, while 180 support staff and 100 technical officials have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The inaugural ceremony was graced by former Minister H. Nagesh, who was the chief guest, along with office bearers and executive committee members from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and Karnataka State Kho Kho Association (KSKKA).
“Teams from various states and UTs have come, and it is like India represented in a microcosm. It provides a unique opportunity for these young athletes to interact and learn from each other,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI.
“These young talents have a bright future, and we are providing players with the best in terms of training, facilities, and guidance,” said Lokeshwara, President, Karnataka State Kho Kho Association.
“The Junior Nationals is a platform to identify and promote young talent. Youth are inclined towards making a career in Kho Kho, as it offers opportunities and recognition similar to any modern sport,” said Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI.
Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Organisation & Administration, KKFI, added, “It is great to see the younger generation embracing this sport with such enthusiasm and energy. The Junior Nationals provide an important platform for these athletes to showcase their talents and advance their careers.”
The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) 2025-26 will be held from January 11-15, 2026, in Kazipet, Telangana, while the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & Girls) 2025-26 is scheduled in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 31 to February 4, 2026.
–IANS
