Junior National Kho Kho Championship begins in Bengaluru with 1,000 athletes

The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship began in Bengaluru with 1,000 athletes competing. Organised on a league-cum-knockout basis, the event runs till January 4. KKFI leaders said the championship is a key platform to identify and promote young talent

Bengaluru: Top young players from affiliated states and organisations will be in action in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship, which began at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur, Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

The first day was action-packed with around 40 matches played in the girls’ and boys’ categories. The championship is being held on a league-cum-knockout basis, with semifinals and finals scheduled for January 3 and 4.

---

Around 1,000 athletes are participating in the Junior Nationals, while 180 supporting staff and 100 technical officials have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the event. The inaugural ceremony was graced by former Minister H Nagesh, who was the chief guest, while office bearers and executive committee members from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and Karnataka State Kho Kho Association (KSKKA) were also present.

“Teams from various states and UTs have come, and it is like India represented in a microcosm. It provides a unique opportunity to these young athletes to interact among themselves and learn from each other,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI.

“These young talents have a bright future, and we are providing players with the best in terms of training, facilities and handholding,” said Lokeshwara, President, Karnataka State Kho Kho Association.

“The Junior Nationals is a platform to identify and promote young talents. Youth are inclined towards making a career in Kho Kho as it offers opportunities and recognition like any other modern sport,” said Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI.

Dr MS Tyagi, Chairman, Organisation and Administration, KKFI, said, “It is great to see the young generation of athletes embracing this sport with such enthusiasm and energy. Junior Nationals provide an important platform to these athletes to showcase their talents and make advancements in their careers.”

The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men and Women) 2025-26 will be organised from January 11-15, 2026, in Kazipet, Telangana, while the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys and Girls) 2025-26 will be held in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 31 to February 4, 2026.