Kho Kho is a tag-based game whose origins trace back to ancient India. The specific origins of the game are difficult to pinpoint. Still, scholars believe it originated in Maharashtra from a “Run Chase” game similar to traditional tag-based games. The word Kho seems to come from the Sanskrit root syu, meaning “Get up, go.” Inspiration for some of the game mechanics comes from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. During a battle that featured chariot warfare, a specialized defensive circle maneuver (called the Chakravyuha) was famously used by Kaurava General Guru Dronacharya to defeat Abhimanyu. The game of Kho Kho honors this strategy through “ring play,” which is a defensive tactic of Kho Kho. In addition, the zigzag pattern used by the retreating soldiers of the battle created a “chain link,” another defensive tactic in Kho Kho. The first version of Kho Kho, called Rathera, was played on “raths” or chariots to symbolize the battle.

Part of the appeal of Kho Kho is that it requires very little equipment, so it is easy and inexpensive to play. This broadened the game's appeal early on because it was not hampered by the expensive cost of certain materials the way other sports could be. In addition, because the sport requires little to play, it features equal access to all; it can be enjoyed by young and old, as well as rich and poor. The fewer restrictions a sport has on who can play, the better the chance it will be popular among as many people as possible.

Even though the sport does not require much material or equipment, it demands a lot from its participants. The sport requires speed, flexibility, and agility from individual athletes. Players need short-term explosiveness, especially when diving for a tag, and long-term cardiovascular fitness because the game features so much running. In addition, players must be agile and nimble to make quick movements to dodge competitors to evade a tag. However, Kho Kho is truly a team sport. One player can rarely (if ever) win a game by themself; strategy and teamwork are fundamental if a team wants any chance of success.

Kho Kho first appeared in the early 1900s. Still, no official rule set or playing area existed because of the efforts of Lokmanya Tilak and Bhai Nororkar via the Deccan Gymkhana of Pune. An official rule set was created to serve as the sports foundation. In 1959, the Kho Kho Federation of India (created in 1955) held a massive championship. Several years later, individual awards were presented to the best players (like an MVP award). The sport was introduced to the world stage in 1936 as an exhibition sport during the Olympic games. While it does not have a large following internationally, it is one of the most popular sports in South Asia. In 1982, Kho Kho was introduced in the Asian Games, equivalent to the Pan-American Games or the European Games, which follow the Olympic Games’ traditional model. Due to its success soon after the Asian Games, the Kho Kho Federation came into being, which held its first major championship almost ten years later. It became an official sport of the South Asian Games in 2016.

Materials: 

·      An ample open space (such as a gym or field)

·      Two cones

Minimum Number of Students Needed: For this game to feel authentic, the teams should have at least five players each. You can play with fewer players, but it will be more difficult for the defense because they will have fewer players to switch with. More players can work well if your playing area is large.   

Age: All Ages