WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) New Delhi, India – The traditional Indian sport of Kho Kho has gained remarkable traction at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, with enthusiastic school students flocking to the BIPARD Ground in Bodhgaya to witness the high-energy matches. The Games, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are being held across five cities in Bihar from 4 to 15 May.
Strengthening India’s Indigenous Sports Legacy
Kho Kho is at the forefront of India’s mission to promote indigenous sports on the global stage, a commitment reaffirmed during the recent WAVES Summit 2025.
At the BIPARD Ground, 16 teams—including 8 boys’ squads and 8 girls’ squads from 9 states—are competing in matches from 5 to 9 May. The tournament includes:
- Around 240 players
- 16 coaches
- 16 team managers
- 40 technical officials from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI)
National Support and Recognition for Kho Kho Players
- Matches are played on two indoor mat courts.
- National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) actively nurture Kho Kho talent.
- Universities and colleges offer sports quota admissions for Kho Kho players.
- Many Kho Kho players secure government jobs based on their achievements, motivating young athletes to pursue the sport professionally.
Competition Structure & Key Matchups
The boys’ and girls’ tournaments are split into two groups:
Boys’ Category
- Group A: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar
- Group B: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh
Girls’ Category
- Group A: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar
- Group B: Karnataka, Odisha, Delhi, Tamil Nadu
Semi-finals: Scheduled for 8 May Finals: Scheduled for 9 May
Khelo India Youth Games: A Nationwide Sporting Celebration
- Bihar is hosting the seventh edition of KIYG, spanning Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.
- 10,000 participants from all 36 States and Union Territories are competing.
- 28 sports are featured, including Olympic, non-Olympic, and indigenous sports such as Kho Kho, Mallakhamb, Kalarippayattu, and Thang-Ta.
- Events for shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling are taking place in New Delhi.
Support from KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal
Highlighting Kho Kho’s rising popularity, KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal remarked: “Kho Kho has evolved into a modern, competitive sport that resonates with young audiences. KIYG provides an excellent platform for indigenous sports like Kho Kho, reinforcing India’s sporting culture and soft power globally.”
Team Championship Format
- Individual and team performances contribute to each state’s overall medal tally.
- The contingent with the highest gold medals is declared the overall champion.
The previous edition, KIYG 2024, hosted by Tamil Nadu, saw over 5,600 athletes competing across four cities.
Looking Ahead
With Kho Kho gaining unprecedented fan support, the sport continues to thrive at KIYG 2025, reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenous athletic excellence.
