44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship commenced at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Bengaluru, bringing together nearly 1,000 young athletes from states and union territories across India. The national-level event features boys’ and girls’ categories and serves as a major platform for nurturing grassroots talent in one of India’s indigenous sports.
44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship Begins in Bengaluru
Strong Participation and Competitive Start
The opening day witnessed around 40 matches, reflecting the high level of participation and competitive intensity among junior players. The championship is being played in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring teams get sufficient match exposure before entering the elimination rounds.
- Semifinals: 3 January
- Finals: 4 January
This format is aimed at balancing participation with competitiveness.
Inauguration and Organisational Presence
The tournament was formally inaugurated by former minister H. Nagesh. Officials from the Kho Kho Federation of India and the Karnataka State Kho Kho Association were present, highlighting strong institutional backing for the sport.
The event is being conducted with standardised officiating and logistics as per national federation guidelines.
Focus on Player Development and Infrastructure
KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal emphasised that the Junior Nationals provide young players with national exposure and learning opportunities.
KSKKA President Lokeshwara highlighted improvements in training methods, coaching support, and playing facilities, which have raised preparedness and performance standards among emerging athletes.
Upcoming National Championships
Following the junior event:
- The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship will be held in Kazipet, Telangana, from 11 to 15 January
- The 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship is scheduled in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from 31 January to 4 February
This reflects a packed national calendar for Kho Kho.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship held in Bengaluru
- Venue: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Gunjur
- Organised under the Kho Kho Federation of India
- Junior Nationals focus on under-18 talent
- Kho Kho is an indigenous traditional Indian sport
Question & Answer
Q1. Where is the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship being held?
(a) Hyderabad
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Chennai
(d) Pune
Answer: Bengaluru
Q2. Which body is the apex governing authority for Kho Kho in India?
(a) Sports Authority of India
(b) Indian Olympic Association
(c) Kho Kho Federation of India
(d) National Games Secretariat
Answer: Kho Kho Federation of India
Q3. The Junior National Kho Kho Championship primarily focuses on which age group?
(a) Under-14
(b) Under-16
(c) Under-18
(d) Under-21
Answer: Under-18
Q4. Which format is being followed in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship?
(a) Round-robin only
(b) Knockout only
(c) League-cum-knockout
(d) Swiss league
Answer: League-cum-knockout
Q5. Which of the following is an indigenous traditional Indian sport?
(a) Badminton
(b) Hockey
(c) Kho Kho
(d) Volleyball
Answer: Kho Kho
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