Prime Minister Modi invites Kho-Kho players to partake in the Independence Day festivities
In a significant move to elevate indigenous games, Kho Kho will be included in the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joined by Kho Kho players, signalling the growing prominence of this ancient Indian sport.
Kho Kho, with its deep cultural roots, is experiencing a resurgence, driven by efforts to modernize and popularize it both in India and internationally. The sport's inclusion in major national sports calendars and prestigious events, such as the Supreme Court of India's Annual Sports Meet, reflects its rising stature and relevance.
The sport's modern format, faster gameplay, and national telecast have helped rekindle public interest in Kho Kho and inspire a new generation of players. The expansion of UKK, the professional league, to include foreign players in season 3 is seen as a crucial step towards commercial growth and Olympic recognition for Kho Kho.
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup held in New Delhi in 2025, featuring teams from 23 nations, signalled a push to globalize the sport and qualify it for the Olympics. However, Kho Kho is not currently included in the Asian Games or the Olympics as an official sport.
The World Cup-winning Kho Kho players, including Pratik Waikar, Ramji Kashyap, Sachin Bhargo, and others, have been honoured for their significant contributions to the sport. Pratik Waikar expressed his pride at being invited to the Red Fort for Independence Day, stating that it shows Kho Kho is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
The 30 Kho Kho players invited are fresh off India's victory in the maiden World Cup held in January 2025 in New Delhi. Fifteen of these 30 players will be part of the player draft for the new season of UKK beginning November 29. In season 3, UKK will feature international players, reflecting the sport's growing global footprint.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has advocated for Kho Kho's inclusion in the Asian Games and the 2036 Olympics. The celebration aligns with India's 2036 Olympic bid and the pitch to return Kho Kho to the Games exactly a century after its 1936 Berlin demonstration appearance.
Kho Kho's journey from a schoolyard favourite to a professional sport with a growing international fanbase is marked by its fast pace, strategic depth, and deep cultural roots. The sport's Olympic and Asian Games inclusion would be a significant milestone, elevating it globally, providing structured career opportunities, and inspiring youth participation.
The World Cup-winning Kho Kho players, such as Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap, are proud of the sport's growing recognition, as seen in their invitation to the Red Fort for India's Independence Day. This modern sport, with its inclusion in international events like the World Cup and the professional UKK league, is aspiring for Olympic and Asian Games recognition, emphasized by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. With its strategic depth, fast pace, and strong cultural roots, Kho Kho's inclusion in these major sporting events would mark a significant milestone in its journey towards global prominence and increased youth participation.
