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Young Stars Shine at 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship in Bengaluru

The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship has commenced at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur, Bengaluru, featuring around 1000 young athletes. The opening day saw approximately 40 matches played across boys' and girls' categories in a league-cum-knockout format, with semifinals and finals scheduled for January 3rd and 4th. Federation officials emphasized the event's role in identifying talent and providing a career platform, noting the sport's growing recognition. The announcement of upcoming Senior and Sub-Junior National Championships in Telangana and Haryana further highlights the sport's active calendar.

Key Points: 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship Begins in Bengaluru

  • 1000 athletes competing
  • Platform for young talent
  • League-cum-knockout format
  • Future national championships announced
2 min read

Junior National Kho Kho Championship Kick-starts in Gunjur, Bengaluru

The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship kicks off in Bengaluru with 1000 athletes. Top officials highlight the platform for talent and future career opportunities in the sport.

"It provides a unique opportunity to these young athletes to interact among themselves and learn from each other. - Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI"

Bengaluru, Dec 31

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

The first day was action-packed with around 40 matches being played in girls' and boys' categories. The Championship is on League-cum-knockout basis with semifinals and finals on January 3 and 4, respectively.

Around 1000 athletes are participating in the Junior nationals, while 180 supporting staff and 100 technical officials are deployed for the smooth conduct of the championship. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the 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 what is 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 as any other modern sport," said Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Organisation & Administration, KKFI, said, "It is great to see the young generation of athletes embracing this sport with such enthusiasm and energy. Junior National provides an important platform to these athletes to showcase their talents and make advancements in their careers."

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

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative! But I hope the facilities at the stadium are truly up to the mark for these kids. Sometimes local associations promise a lot but the ground reality is different. The article sounds positive though.
A
Aman W
1000 athletes is a massive number! This shows the sport's grassroots popularity. Hope the media gives it as much coverage as cricket. These children deserve their moment in the sun.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, it's fascinating to learn about Kho Kho. The energy and strategy involved seem incredible. Good to see a focus on junior development – that's how you build a strong sporting culture.
V
Vikram M
Bengaluru hosting again! Our city is truly becoming a sports hub. The schedule is packed with Seniors and Sub-Juniors too. Hope they stream the finals online for those who can't attend.
K
Karthik V
"India represented in a microcosm" – well said by the KKFI President. This is the real unity in diversity. Sports like these bring our states together like nothing else. All the best to Team Karnataka! 🏃‍♂️💨

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