Bhubaneswar, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Odisha government has officially declared a three-year sponsorship arrangement for the Indian national kho kho team, representing a crucial milestone in advancing indigenous sports within the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that the state plans to allocate Rs 5 crore annually from January 2025 through December 2027, with funds sourced from the Odisha Mining Corporation.
This comprehensive sponsorship package totaling Rs 15 crore underscores Odisha's ongoing dedication to sports development, following its successful collaboration with Indian hockey. The initiative is designed to enhance Kho Kho's visibility and provide critical support for the national team.
"This is a defining moment for Kho Kho in India. By backing our indigenous sports, we are not just safeguarding our cultural heritage but also opening new avenues for our athletes," stated Chief Minister Majhi. "Much like our transformation of Indian hockey, we foresee a similar resurgence for Kho Kho, establishing Odisha as a driving force for sporting excellence."
Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), expressed his approval of the announcement, commenting, "Odisha's dedication to Kho Kho signifies a pivotal shift for this traditional sport. This sponsorship will greatly enhance our capability to nurture world-class athletes and promote Kho Kho internationally."
The sponsorship is set to bolster team development, improve training infrastructure, and support participation in both national and international competitions. Officials have indicated that this collaboration will also create significant branding opportunities for Odisha at various sporting events.
