Will Around 70 Teams from 26 States & Six UTs Compete in Junior National Kho Kho in Karnataka?
Synopsis
Excitement builds as the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship gears up to feature around 70 teams from 26 states and six Union Territories. Taking place in Bengaluru, this championship is a significant event for young athletes and a platform for showcasing emerging talents.
Key Takeaways
Approximately 70 teams participating from various states and UTs.
Hosted at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Bengaluru .
Championship runs from December 31 to January 4 .
Focus on promoting Kho Kho as a competitive sport.
League-cum-knockout format ensures exciting matches.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Approximately 35 teams for boys and an equal number of girls' teams are set to join the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-26, taking place from December 31 to January 4 in Gunjur, Bengaluru.
The participating Union Territories include Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Delhi. In addition to state teams, recognized Kho Kho Associations such as Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat will also compete for the championship title, which will be conducted in a league-cum-knockout format.
All eyes will be on Maharashtra, the reigning champion for both boys’ and girls' titles from the 43rd Junior National Kho Kho Championship held in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024.
The initial knockout matches for both categories will occur in the morning, with quarterfinals in the afternoon on January 3. The semifinals will be held in the morning, followed by the finals on January 4. Each category will feature 8 groups, as announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
“Beyond the referees, we have arranged for 25 officials including technical staff, coaches, and association representatives to ensure the smooth running of the championship. Boarding and lodging for the players have been organized within a 3-4 km range of the stadium, with 10 buses assigned for transportation,” stated Lokeshwara, President of the Karnataka State Kho Kho Association.
The championship will take place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur.
“This event is a celebration of Kho Kho, showcasing young talents from across the nation. It serves as a vital platform for junior athletes to demonstrate their abilities and recognition of talent is crucial for promoting sports and athletes, especially as we aim for Kho Kho's inclusion in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics,” remarked Sudhanshu Mittal, President of KKFI.
Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary of KKFI, assured, “All arrangements are finalized for the seamless execution of the championship, focusing on athlete development and infrastructure.”
M.S. Tyagi, Chairman of Administration & Organization at KKFI, expressed, “Witnessing these young athletes in action inspires hope. Our duty is to mentor and support them in every possible manner.”
India is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9-14, 2026, along with the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) from January 11-15, 2026 in Kazipet, Telangana, and the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & Girls) from January 31 to February 4, 2026 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the significance of this championship not just for the participants but for the promotion of Kho Kho as a sport in India. The event not only brings together young talent from various regions but also serves as a stepping stone for future sports events on larger platforms, including international competitions.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Kho Kho Championship?
The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship will be held from December 31 to January 4 .
How many teams are participating?
Approximately 70 teams , comprising 35 boys' teams and 35 girls' teams , are expected to participate.
Where is the championship taking place?
The championship will be conducted at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur, Bengaluru .
What is the format of the championship?
The championship will follow a league-cum-knockout format .
Who is organizing the event?
The event is organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) .
