Kho Kho is one of the most traditional and popular games in India, with a history tracing back to ancient times, specifically to the epic Mahabharata. This article delves into the origins, rules, terminology, and other interesting aspects of Kho Kho.

Tracing the Roots of the Game

The game of Kho Kho is believed to have roots as ancient as the Mahabharata. On the 13th day of the war, the strategy of Chakravyuh, which was broken by Abhimanyu, is thought to reflect the defensive tactics seen in Kho Kho. Historically, the game involved chariots and was called Rathera.

History of Kho Kho Game

The modern form of Kho Kho was formalized in Maharashtra, India, where the Deccan Gymkhana of Pune introduced rules and regulations. The game gained international recognition with the formation of the Asian Kho Kho Federation in 1987 and the first Asian Championship held in Kolkata in 1996.

About Kho Kho Game

Kho Kho is a tag game where the main aim is to chase and tag the opponents. The game is played between two teams of 12 players each, but only 9 players from each team are active on the field at any given time.

Kho Kho Game Terminology

• Pole: A cylindrical wooden post at each end of the field.
• Chaser: A player who sits in a row and chases the opponent.
• Runner: A player from the opposing team who tries to avoid being tagged.
• Central Lane: Two parallel lines from one pole to another.
• Cross Lane: Lines intersecting the central lane.
• Kho: A pass given by one chaser to another.
• Early Getup: When a chaser gets up before getting a Kho.
• Late Kho: When the chaser delays in giving a Kho.
• Changing the Direction: When a chaser moves in the wrong direction against the rules.
• Minus Kho: A directional fault where the chaser cannot make the runner out unless Kho is passed back or the pole is touched.
• Lobby: The free space area around the playfield.
• Free Zone: Areas by the poles where direction rules are relaxed.
• Square: Areas marked for sitting chasers.

Kho Kho Ground Measurement

The Kho Kho field is a rectangle measuring 29 meters long and 16 meters wide. It includes two areas of 16 meters by 2.75 meters on either side, each containing a wooden pole.

Field Specifications

• Total Area: 30m x 19m (inclusive of the 1.5m wide lobby on all sides)
• Playing Area: 27m x 16m
• Pole Distance: 24m apart
• Pole Size: Height 120-125 cm, Diameter 9-10 cm

Kho Kho Rules

• Each team consists of 12 players, with only 9 active at a time.
• A match consists of two innings, each lasting 9 minutes.
• The chasers sit in alternate directions in the central lane.
• The chaser tags the runner by touching them and saying "Kho."
• The team that tags all opponents in the shortest time wins.
• The roles of chaser and runner are decided by a toss.

Kho Kho Information

• Defender Duties: Must evade chasers with speed and flexibility.
• Chaser Duties: Aim to tag runners by passing "Kho" to teammates strategically.
• Skills Required: Quick judgment of direction, agility, speed, and teamwork.
• Role of Referee: Ensures rules are followed, can issue penalties using yellow and red cards.

Kho Kho Federation of India

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) governs the sport, organizing championships and promoting the game across various age groups and genders.

Kho Kho Tournaments in India

India hosts numerous Kho Kho tournaments, including National Championships, Junior National, Sub-Junior National Championships, and the Federation Cup. The sport has also seen the introduction of the Ultimate Kho Kho league.

Awards in India

Notable awards in Kho Kho include:

• Janaki Award: For outstanding female players under 18.
• Veer Abhimanyu Award: For outstanding male players under 18.
• Ekalavya Award: Recognized by the Karnataka government.

Prominent Kho Kho Players

Men

• Balasaheb Pokarde
• Raju Buchannagari
• Sagar Potdar
• Shreyas Raul
• Akshay Ganpule
• Sudarshan
• Deepak Madhav
• Abhinandan Patil
• Satyajit Singh
• Suresh Sawant
• Muneerbasha Ahamadjohn
• Dhanwin Khopkar
• Sibin Mailankil
• Jagdev Singh
• Tapan Paul

Women

• Nasreen
• Kajal Bhor
• Priyanka Bhopi
• Aishwarya Sawant
• Pornima Sakpal
• Krishna Yadav
• Nikita Pawar
• Apeksha Sutar
• Sasmita Sharma
• Eshita Biswas
• Mukesh
• Maya
• Parveen Nisha
• Kalaivani Kathirkaman
• Nancy Jain

Kho Kho continues to be a popular sport in India, known for its simplicity, excitement, and physical demands. Its rich history and cultural significance make it a beloved game for players and spectators alike.