The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship kicks off January 11-15 in Kazipet, Telangana, featuring 76 teams from across India. In a historic first, central paramilitary forces unite as a single CAPFs team while nine state police forces combine under AIPSCB.
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National Talent Converges in Telangana
Championship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | January 11-15, 2026 |
| Venue | Railway Stadium, Kazipet, Telangana |
| Total Teams | 76 (38 men + 38 women) |
| Participants | 26 states, 6 UTs, 4 institutions, 3 AMAs |
| Courts | 6 courts (4 mat courts) |
| Format | League-cum-knockout |
| Previous Champions | RSPB (men), Maharashtra (women) |
Historic Team Consolidation
In a strategic move to send the best talent to nationals and foster unity, central paramilitary forces compete as a combined Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) team. Players from ITBP and SSB will represent this unified banner in both men’s and women’s categories.
State police forces also field a joint team under All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB), drawing talent from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. This consolidation ensures top performers represent law enforcement collectively.
Comprehensive National Representation
Union Territories participating include Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Ladakh. Institutional teams comprise Airports Authority of India (AAI), Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), AIPSCB, and CAPFs.
Associate Member Associations from Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat round out the diverse field, ensuring nationwide representation across categories.
Modern Competitive Global Sport
Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President of Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), emphasized that best talents from across the nation compete in Senior Nationals. Kho Kho has evolved into a modern competitive global sport offering unmatched thrill and action-packed entertainment.
The integration of sports science and technology has given the game an edge, elevating its stature according to Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary of KKFI.
World-Class Infrastructure
Matches will run in morning-afternoon sessions with floodlights arranged for extended play. The Railway Stadium facility features six courts including four specialized mat courts, ensuring optimal playing conditions for all competitors.
Around 164 technical officials, 80 coaches, office bearers, and Executive Committee members from KKFI and Telangana Kho Kho Association will oversee smooth championship conduct.
Competition Format and Schedule
The league-cum-knockout format culminates with pre-quarter and quarter-finals on January 14, followed by semi-finals and finals on January 15. This structure ensures competitive balance while building excitement toward the championship matches.
Growing Career Opportunities
Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman of Organisation & Administration at KKFI, noted Kho Kho’s rising popularity. Healthy participation from institutions reflects growing interest, with youth increasingly viewing Kho Kho as a viable career path offering opportunities and recognition.
The 57th Senior National Kho Kho Championship held in Puri, Odisha (March 31-April 4, 2025) saw RSPB claim the men’s title while Maharashtra dominated the women’s category.
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FAQs
When and where is the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship?
The championship runs January 11-15, 2026, at Railway Stadium, Kazipet, Telangana, with 76 teams competing.
What’s new about team composition this year?
Central paramilitary forces unite as CAPFs team while nine state police forces combine under AIPSCB banner for stronger representation.
