57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship Kicks Off with Record Participation
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Synopsis
The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship is witnessing unprecedented participation and innovative technology applications, making it a remarkable event in the sports calendar. The championship runs from March 31 to April 4, featuring 40 teams in both men's and women's categories.
Key Takeaways
- Record participation with 80 teams.
- Decision Review System introduced.
- Matches played exclusively on mat surfaces.
- Total of 190 matches scheduled.
- First major event post the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
Puri, March 31 (NationPress) The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship has set a new record with the highest-ever participation and a significant focus on technology-driven innovations, making this edition truly exceptional among national tournaments.
The five-day event commenced on Monday and will continue until April 4 at the District Sports Complex in Puri, featuring fierce competition among teams from 30 states, along with elite institutional squads such as the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Maharashtra Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Karnataka Police, All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Railways. The championship is being broadcast live on DD Sports.
“This tournament sees 40 men’s and 40 women’s teams competing, marking the highest participation of teams in the history of Kho Kho Nationals. Additionally, Odisha can take pride in being the first state where all scheduled matches will be played exclusively on mats,” stated Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
A Decision Review System (DRS) has also been implemented for the first time in the Kho Kho Nationals, applicable to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Moreover, the match format aligns with that of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
“For the first time, the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals will receive recognition,” Mittal added. The press conference was also attended by MS Tyagi, general secretary of KKFI, Pradyumna Mishra, secretary of the Odisha Kho Kho Association, former Puri MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi, and other notable guests.
With a total of 190 matches - comprising 160 league and 30 knockout games - this championship is particularly significant as it is the first major national event following the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, which took place in January in New Delhi, where India demonstrated its prowess by winning in both the men’s and women’s categories.
