Can Kho Kho Become India’s Next Olympic Sport?

June 30, 2025: India took center stage in the global celebrations of International Kho Kho Day, shining a spotlight on the sport’s rich cultural heritage and its rapid global rise. The day kicked off with a spirited rally at New Delhi’s historic Jantar Mantar, where hundreds of players, coaches, students, and officials from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) marched in unity to honor the traditional Indian sport.

The event celebrated Kho Kho’s transformation from a local pastime into a growing international movement, now played in over 56 countries. The festivities included a magic show and quiz competition that tested knowledge on Kho Kho’s history, rules, and evolution — helping raise awareness while engaging the community.

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Sudhanshu Mittal, President of both KKFI and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), expressed pride in the sport’s growth:“Kho Kho is now a symbol of national pride, played by local citizens in 56 countries. Our mission is clear — we are aiming for its inclusion in the 2030 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympics.”

Over 30 international federations, including those from Australia, Iran, Nepal, Vietnam, Peru, England, and Bangladesh, joined the celebrations, showing solidarity with India in expanding Kho Kho’s global presence.

KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi emphasized that this day is more than a celebration — it’s a movement:“It’s about the global Kho Kho family coming together to push for greater international recognition. We’re working toward featuring the sport in global competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

Adding to the momentum, the day also marked the launch of the first-ever Advanced III-A Level Training Programme for coaches and technical officials, attended by over 230 participants, including 20+ international delegates.

Another landmark announcement: Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) will include international players in its auction for the first time, with Season 3 set to begin on November 29.

As celebrations came to a close, the message echoed loud and clear — India remains the powerhouse behind Kho Kho’s global journey, with the dream of Olympic recognition now closer than ever.