Ancient Indian game Kho Kho eyes Olympic inclusion after inaugural world cup: Video
The ancient Indian sport of kho kho is gaining momentum as organizers of its first international tournament aim to elevate it to Olympic status.
Known as a high-energy tag sport, kho kho has been played across southern Asia for more than 2,000 years.
Although its rules were formalised in the early 20th century, kho kho has largely remained in cricket’s shadow in India. It was briefly showcased as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Berlin Olympics but failed to gain lasting international attention.
Now, nearly a century later, the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi has drawn teams from 23 countries, highlighting the sport's growing global appeal.
Nasreen Shaikh, a 26-year-old player on India's women's team, reflected on the sport’s rising profile. “Whenever we ask people if they’ve played kho kho, they always smile, recalling their childhood days. But now, the platform is gaining global recognition. Playing in a World Cup is the first barrier crossed; the next big step is making it to the Olympics,” she told the AFP.
One of the sport's most significant transformations has been its transition from mud courts to mats, which has made it more accessible to an international audience. "That change revolutionised the game, making it global," said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India. "We are now in 55 countries and aim to reach 90 by the end of this year."
