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44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship Begins in Bengaluru

January 03, 2026

National Platform for Emerging Kho Kho Talent

The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship commenced at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur, Bengaluru, bringing together nearly 1,000 junior athletes from states and union territories across India. The championship, organised under the aegis of the Kho Kho Federation of India , features separate boys’ and girls’ categories and serves as a crucial national platform for identifying and nurturing grassroots talent in one of India’s oldest indigenous sports.

Competitive Opening and Match Structure

The opening day saw the conduct of around 40 matches, indicating the scale and intensity of the tournament. Teams are competing in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring that each side gets adequate match exposure before progressing to elimination rounds. According to the official schedule, the semifinals will be held on January 3, followed by the championship finals on January 4, setting the stage for a high-intensity finish.

Inauguration and Institutional Support

The championship was formally inaugurated by former minister H. Nagesh . Senior officials from the Karnataka State Kho Kho Association and the national federation were present, highlighting strong organisational backing. Matches are being conducted with standardised rules, certified officials, and arrangements aligned with national federation norms.

Emphasis on Development and Infrastructure

KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal noted that junior nationals play a key role in shaping future senior-level athletes by offering early exposure to national competition. KSKKA President Lokeshwara emphasised improvements in coaching quality, training methods, and playing infrastructure, which have raised overall performance standards.

National Calendar Ahead

Following the junior championship, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship will be held in Kazipet from January 11 to 15. The 35th Sub-Junior Nationals are scheduled in Kurukshetra from January 31 to February 4.

Important Facts for Exams

  • Kho Kho Federation of India is the apex governing body

  • Junior Nationals focus on under-18 athlete development

  • League-cum-knockout format balances participation and competition

  • Kho Kho is an indigenous traditional Indian sport

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