kho kho    the game of chase


kho kho

The game of KHO KHO is based on natural principles of physical development & developing all motor abilities of a person/player. It is vigorous and fosters a healthy combative spirit among youth. It's not merely running with speed but to chasing with a natural instinct to overtake, pursue, catch and kill as done in an ancient time when men tried to kill animals with a hard chase & running skills. No doubt, speed is the heart of the game and to stand to a relentless pursuit of 9 minutes at a stretch (Turn), the heart demands stoutness and stamina. In turn, a physically fit youth enjoys it and the spectators who watch enjoy a thrilling sport to their satisfaction.


kho kho is a popular Indian traditional game which originated in Pune Gymkhana, Maharashtra. As per the Kho- Kho Federation of India (K.K.F.I), the game is played in 2 innings by 12 nominated players on each side out of 15. Nine players start the game and 3 are kept as reserve. One team chooses to become the “chasers” and the other “defenders” or “runners”. The chaser pursues the runners; tags and touches them and makes them out. Each team has to chase and defend for 9 minutes. This is repeated twice in a match.

Kho Kho was derived from the different strategy and tactics of "Kurukshetra" war in Mahabharatha. The game is based on natural principles of physical development and fosters a healthy combative spirit of the term “understanding”. The chariot fight during the war and zigzag pathways followed by the retreating soldiers indicate the information of Chain Play - defense skill in the game of KHO KHO. On the 13th day of the war, the chief of Kaurav army, Guru Dronacharya drew a typical strategic formation - CHAKRAVYUH (circular formation) keeping Jayadratha at the main entrance with seven soldiers to draw in and kill the enemy. Veer Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, entered into the trap ... Read More

kho kho