India gears up for first-ever Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship

India is set to host the first-ever Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to 14 next year, bringing together over 24 nations to compete in this traditional Indian sport. The venue for the championship is yet to be finalised, as the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is in talks with several states to secure the location following approval from Commonwealth Sport (CS).

The championship will feature 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, following the model of the first Kho Kho World Cup held earlier this year in Delhi, which saw participation from 23 countries. Officials hope the Commonwealth championship will boost the visibility of Kho Kho globally and pave the way for its inclusion in future multi-sport events.

Upkar Singh Virk, general secretary of the KKFI, said, “We are in talks with several states for finalising the venue. Ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, we hope this championship will serve as a stepping stone for Kho Kho’s inclusion in the Doha Asian Games (2030), Commonwealth Games (2030), and Brisbane Olympics (2032).”

With Kho Kho gaining international recognition, the championship promises to be a major milestone for the sport, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and for India to strengthen its position as the custodian of this historic game. The final venue announcement is expected in the coming months.