Top 5 Famous Kho Kho Players In India

Kho Kho is a traditional tag sport originating from India. Teams consist of 12 players, with 9 entering the field and kneeling (the chasing team), while the other 3 (the defending team) attempt to evade being tagged by the chasers. Following Kabaddi, Kho Kho is the second most popular tag game in the Indian subcontinent. It is played by the Indian community in South Africa as well. The term 'Kho' is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit root "syu-", meaning "get up and go". With Kho Kho gaining national attention from its street origins, numerous talented players have contributed to its growth.

Here are five notable Indian Kho Kho players who have achieved success and garnered love through this game:

1. Satish Rai
2. Sarika Kale
3. Pankaj Malhotra
4. Mandakini Majhi
5. Praveen Kumar

### Satish Rai

Satish Rai is one of the most renowned Kho Kho players, known for his exceptional skills. Although not much is documented about his personal life, his dedication and fitness are well recognized. In 2010, the newly formed Kho Kho Federation of India aimed to conduct a Kho Kho World Series, inspired by the Baseball World Series in America. Rai, a staunch supporter, actively promoted the series and emphasized its benefits. He played for many years, winning numerous medals.

### Sarika Kale

Sarika Kale, born in Umbre Kota village, Osmanabad district, Maharashtra, has been an active Kho Kho player since 2006. She captained India’s women’s national team to a gold medal at the 12th South Asian Games in Guwahati. Starting at age 10, Sarika represented Maharashtra in 25 national championships. Despite her success, she faced job challenges in 2016. Olympian and Arjuna awardee Devarajan supported her and others for recruitment by the Railways. Sarika believes corporate sponsorship could significantly boost the sport’s growth.

### Pankaj Malhotra

Pankaj Malhotra, from Jammu's Sainik Colony, developed a passion for Kho Kho at a young age. He captained the Jammu and Kashmir State Kho Kho Team and represented India in the 2018 India-Nepal Kho Kho Series. Pankaj was trained by esteemed coaches Ajay Gupta and Dheeraj Sharma at Green Field Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. His achievements were praised by the J&K Kho Kho Association.

### Mandakini Majhi

Mandakini Majhi, also known as the "Odisha girl", is a prominent Kho Kho player from Odisha. Born on March 12, 1997, she overcame significant challenges to pursue her passion. Mandakini represented her state in the 46th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in 2012 and the National School Games in 2013. She achieved significant success in various national competitions and was the first Odia girl in the Indian team for the 12th SAF Games in 2016, where her team won gold.

### Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar, a talented player from Mysore, Karnataka, significantly contributed to the University of Mysore's victories in the South Zone and All India Inter-University Men’s Kho Kho Championships (2017-18). Starting in middle school, he continued playing in high school at Sarada Vilas HS. Encouraged by senior players, he pursued Kho Kho seriously. Praveen, an M.Com graduate from Manasagangothri, represented Karnataka in the Senior National Championships, winning silver in 2013-14 and third place in 2015. He also led his team to third place in the All India Inter-University level in 2016-17.

These players have not only excelled in Kho Kho but also played crucial roles in promoting the sport nationally and internationally.