DREAMING OF A BIG 'CHASE'

Kho Kho, India's thrilling indigenous sport, is chasing an Olympic dream. With the success of the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship, which saw participation from 20 nations, hopes are high for its inclusion in global sporting events.

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

Every sports organisation aspires to see its discipline grace the world's most prestigious sporting platformthe Olympic Games. It's no surprise that proponents of India's indigenous sport, Kho Kho, are harbouring the same dream. Their journey towards this ambitious goal began with a significant milestone: the organisation of the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship. The event's resounding success, marked by participation from 20 nations, has injected fresh hope and energy into this endeavour.

The championship, held on home soil, saw India assert its supremacy in spectacular fashion. In both the men's and women's categories, India clinched the titles with dominating, one-sided victories throughout the tournament. In the finals, both Indian teams faced off against neighbouring Nepal, overcoming the challenge with remarkable ease. The men's section featured 20 teams, while 19 countries participated in the women's category. The competition was conducted in a league-cum-knockout format, providing all teams with ample opportunities to display their skills, techniques, and strategies in this exhilarating game of chase and agility.

The sport's governing body in India is now eyeing the next step: inclusion in the Asian Games. The inaugural World Championship witnessed participation from eight Asian nations, a promising start for Kho Kho's bid to enter the continental sporting arena. Organisers are working tirelessly to secure the sport's inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games. Should this effort fall short, they remain optimistic about the 2030 edition.

Parallel to these efforts, India's aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036 has opened another exciting possibility. If the Olympics are indeed awarded to India, the country would have a unique opportunity to showcase its traditional sports, including Kho Kho and Kabaddi, as competitive disciplines. Such a development could dramatically bolster Kho Kho's profile on the global stage.