January 30, 2025: The Maharashtra government has honored nine state players who were part of India’s triumphant men’s and women’s teams at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The players were awarded Rs 2.25 crore each for their exceptional contribution to India’s victory, while their coaches were also recognized with a reward of Rs 22.5 lakh each, according to the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
The felicitation ceremony recognized the outstanding achievement of the players, most of whom hail from Maharashtra, which has long been a hub for Kho Kho talent. As part of the state’s sports policy, the honored players were also offered government jobs, an initiative aimed at encouraging the next generation of Kho Kho athletes in the state.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, praised the players during a courtesy call in Pune, congratulating them on their historic victory. He tweeted, “The players of the Indian men’s and women’s teams, who became world champions in the first World Kho Kho Championship held in New Delhi, and their coaches, paid me a courtesy call in Pune. On this occasion, I sincerely congratulated all of them and felicitated them. My best wishes to all the players for their future successful careers!”
In addition to individual awards, the leadership of team skippers Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle, whose captains played a vital role in the victory, was acknowledged.
Sudhanshu Mittal, a key figure in the success of the tournament, emphasized how the historic win demonstrates India’s global dominance in Kho Kho. He expressed, “This victory will inspire the next generation to pursue excellence in this traditional sport. We are aiming to elevate Kho Kho to Olympic status, and this support from the Maharashtra Government is vital for its future growth.”
Maharashtra has been instrumental in producing Kho Kho talent, with the state being widely recognized as the birthplace of the sport. The culture of club rivalry and widespread participation in Kho Kho at a grassroots level provides fertile ground for talent development. The government’s initiatives, including job security for players and rewards for national victories, play a crucial role in sustaining the sport’s growth and appeal.
With its rich history in Kho Kho, Maharashtra continues to drive the success of the sport, both at the national and international levels. The government’s recognition and incentives for the victorious Kho Kho players are expected to further encourage the sport’s growth and inspire young athletes across the region.