Following the huge success of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in India, Kho Kho, an another traditional native Indian sport of India is all set to get a league of its own this year.
The Kho Kho federation of India (KKFI) and the Dabur India’s Vice Chairman Amit Burman launched the country’s first franchise based league for the Indian sport which is named as ‘Ultimate Kho Kho’. The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was also present at the auspicious moments.
The decision of Launching a Kho Kho league viz. Ultimate Kho Kho was taken in the light of remarkable success story of yet another very own Indian sport of Kabaddi, which subsequently made , Dabur India’s Vice Chairman Amit Burman to collaborate with the apex body of the sport – the KKFI to support the development of this league.
In the first edition of Ultimate Kho Kho there will be eight teams from across the prominent regions taking part in one of its kind of professional league.
Being a minimalist game requiring less number of props, the Sport of Kho Kho is widely played across several Indian states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhatisgarh, Bihar, AP, Punjab and Other major ones.
Internationally, the sport has been played in England, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Korea.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said,” Indigenous sports are the manifestation of the local genius and ethos. I am very happy that a league is being launched for Kho Kho. Surely, this will go a long way in enhancing the popularity of this very Indian sport and will open new vistas for the players and the fans. I congratulate and wish the Kho Kho Federation of India the best in their endeavors.”
Burman shared his vision for the league and said, “Ultimate Kho Kho will be a professionally structured league with eight participating franchise teams that will be owned by a mix of corporate houses and celebrities. Each team will have a combination of players including Indian and international players from two age categories of under and above 18.”
Present among the dignitaries were also KKFI chairman & IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, who expressed his delight at the launch event, “It is a moment of joy and pride for all of us to announce the launch of the Ultimate Kho Kho League. Our aim is to restore the glory this sport has seen in our country and we look forward to receiving the support from sports lovers from across the country.”
The KKFI is working extensively, with support from the Indian Olympic Association, towards making the sport popular with the country’s youth.
“Ultimate Kho Kho is an initiative to bring the sport to the forefront and make it the most sought-after league for a home-grown sport in India. The league will witness participation of key athletes from India and other Kho Kho playing nations,” said KKFI president and IOA vice-president Sudhanshu Mittal.
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