Guest blog! The sport of kho kho
In 2021, we posted an image of the sport of kho kho on our social media platforms and it was one of our most popular posts. We are super happy that we can now bring you a blog on this sport which is an advanced version of tag. PE teachers, coaches and trainers - this would be a great sport, or warm-up for children all over the world! It’s simple but yet requires great speed, agility and tactical thinking, as well as teamwork and strong communication skills. Let us know if you give it a go!
Now we’ll hand over to Prince Raj of the Instagram account Kho Kho Champions to explain more about this Indian sport.
History of kho kho
Kho kho is a traditional game played in India. Its origins are ancient, with strategies and tactics likely derived from the epic ‘Mahabharata’. On the 13th day of the war, the Kaurava General Guru Dronacharya created the ‘Chakravyuha’ a special military defensive circle which was eventually penetrated by the renowned warrior Abhimanyu. He was killed by having to fight alone against 7 other warriors but he inflicted heavy casualties in return. His style of fighting reflects the concept of ‘ring play’ – a defensive tactic in kho kho.
What is kho kho?
Kho kho is one of the most popular sports in India. It’s played by men, women, and children in almost every school and college. Like all Indian games, it is simple, inexpensive and enjoyable – making the game as enduring as it is endearing. It is essentially a version of tag which is why children like this sport to play during their break time.
How to play kho kho
The game is played in two innings and a team consist of 15 players. Twelve players are nominated for a match and only 9 take to the actual game initially. Each team has to chase and defend for 9 minutes, twice in a match, hence the two innings.
Chasers are sat on the court, in a row on a central line, a set distance apart. The direction in which they sit alternates. They have to tag the defenders but only one chaser can be in motion at any one time. Chasers can only chase in the direction they start chasing – they can’t change direction until they reach the end of the central line. The chasers can tap a team mate on the shoulder and shout ‘kho’ for them to take over the chasing. Chase or attack is built up through a series of 'khos' as the chase continues with a relay of chasers.
Defenders enter the court, in batches of three. After the third and last defender of the first batch is out, the next batch must enter the court before a 'kho' is given by the successful active chaser.
Defenders have full freedom of movement on both sides of the central lane - they can run anywhere.
The players sit alternately in opposite directions.
Why Kho kho is good for girls
No special equipment is required to play kho kho like tennis, badminton etc. Therefore it’s free to play and there is no economic barrier to playing the sport.
Kho kho teaches both how to play as a team while chasing, and how to play alone developing value skills for life.
Kho kho teaches girls how to control impulses and be always alert for opportunities.
Kho kho is a very dynamic game in which you have to run, stop immediately, think fast, do acrobatic stunts, consider time and still stay calm. This helps everyone who has played kho kho to navigate life better.
Since it's a gender neutral game, both boys and girls are given equal opportunities, unlike other sports like cricket, football, tennis, chess where male domination is very evident .
For girls, kho kho is important because it's an acceptable sport to the conservative thinking approach of Indian society and thus helps the girl to be able to play, to become confident and smart.
Thank you so much Prince Raj and thanks for all the work you’re doing in India for the kho kho community and for the female athletes.