Latest news with #UltimateKhoKhoLeague
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Mittal on transforming Kho Kho into a global sport
From a childhood passion for sports to spearheading the global revival of Kho Kho , politician and philanthropist Sudhanshu Mittal has redefined India's traditional game. 'Kho Kho was familiar to every Indian child, yet it was fading away,' says Mittal. 'I chose the challenge of reviving it over joining an already established sport.' Mittal's transformation strategy was twofold—first, internationalising the game by shifting it from mud to mat. 'We designed an indigenous playing mat, tailored to Kho Kho's pace and movement. That was a game-changer,' he explains. Second, he focused on making the sport TV-friendly. This led to the launch of the Ultimate Kho Kho League , with innovations like reducing squad size, shortening innings, and introducing the 'Wazir'—a strategic chaser with bidirectional movement. His extensive public life shaped his leadership approach. 'Voluntary institutions work differently from corporate ones. Inspiring collaboration and alignment is key,' says Mittal, who takes pride in the harmony within the Kho Kho Federation . Advocating for policy changes, Mittal highlights the need to broaden CSR norms and government support for indigenous sports. 'We need a dedicated institutional framework for traditional sports—something that doesn't exist yet,' he asserts. Kho Kho is now played in 55 countries, with plans to reach 90 by year-end. Upcoming events include a Champions Trophy (2025–26), Asian Kho Kho Championship (2026–27), and even a World Cup in 2029. Mittal's vision is clear: Kho Kho in the Commonwealth Games by 2028, the Asian Games by 2030, and the Olympics by 2032. 'Kho Kho is no longer just a game—it's an engine of opportunity,' he says, noting over 3,000 players have secured government jobs and the sport is driving grassroots economies. From dusty playgrounds to international arenas, Kho Kho's journey under Mittal is one of ambition, innovation, and resilience.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
WAVES Day 3: Odisha CM for global recognition for indigenous sports
On Day 3 of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi made a compelling case for the global recognition of India's indigenous sports. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Drawing from his roots in Keonjhar, Majhi said, "Games like kabaddi and kho-kho represent teamwork, resilience, and our local identity." He pointed to the Odisha Juggernauts' win in the 2022 Ultimate Kho Kho League as proof that traditional games can thrive with the right backing, and unveiled Odisha's plan to establish India's first High-Performance Centre for kho-kho , in collaboration with AM/NS India. "Our vision is to create champions in every village and to ensure every child with a dream gets the right platform to shine," he said. — Samya Kamaal Khan
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Odisha leads push to promote indigenous sports at WAVES
Bhubaneswar: In a significant push for indigenous sports , chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined an ambitious vision for traditional Indian games at WAVES-2025, the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, held in Mumbai on Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at a special session titled "Indigenous Sports – From India to the Global Stage", Majhi highlighted 's groundbreaking initiatives in sports development, particularly its distinction as the first Indian state to establish a dedicated High-Performance Centre for Kho Kho , in partnership with AMNS India. Drawing from his personal experiences in Keonjhar's tribal heartland, Majhi emphasised how traditional sports like kabaddi and kho-kho represent more than mere games, serving as vehicles for cultural expression and community building. "These were expressions of teamwork, resilience, and identity rooted in the soil of our communities," he said. The chief minister showcased the success of Odisha Juggernauts, the state's govt-owned franchise that clinched victory in the Ultimate Kho Kho League's inaugural season in 2022, demonstrating the potential of strategic investment in traditional sports. The session featured prominent speakers, including Pro Kabaddi League commissioner Anupam Goswami, international kabaddi star Fazel Atrachali, and indigenous sports advocate Sudhanshu Mittal. Discussions centred on elevating Indian traditional sports to international platforms, including the Olympics. Concluding his address with an Odia saying, "Khela re sanskruti achhi, sanskruti re asmita achhi" (in our games lies our culture, and in our culture lies our identity), Majhi reaffirmed Odisha's commitment to working with the Central Govt and global federations to promote indigenous sports worldwide. The summit marks another milestone in Odisha's ongoing efforts to integrate sports with youth empowerment, social development, and cultural preservation, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
