The 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship kicks off January 31 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, bringing together 70 teams from across India. Thirty-five boys’ and 35 girls’ teams representing 27 states, 5 union territories, and 3 associate member associations will compete for the national title through February 4.
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Championship Overview at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | 70 (35 boys, 35 girls) |
| Participants | ~1,100 players |
| Officials | 300 coaches & technical staff |
| Duration | Jan 31 – Feb 4, 2026 |
| Venue | Keshav Park, Kurukshetra |
| Playfields | 4 fields (3 mat fields) |
| Matches | 120+ scheduled |
| Format | League-cum-knockout |
Participating Regions
The championship features teams from 27 states plus union territories including Puducherry, Ladakh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Associate member associations Madhya Bharat, Kolhapur, and Vidarbha will also compete alongside state teams.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will inaugurate the championship on January 31, with Haryana Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, and Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi attending during the event. Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam will grace the closing ceremony.
Why This Championship Matters
“The young budding talents need proper handholding and nurturing,” explains Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). “The federation is committed to providing them best-in-class training and facilities so that they continue their career in the sport and achieve great heights.”
This marks Haryana’s first major Kho Kho hosting opportunity since the 2012 Junior National Championship in Gurugram, making it a significant moment for the state’s sporting infrastructure.
Kho Kho’s Global Growth
Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman of Organization & Administration at KKFI, highlights the sport’s evolution: “Kho Kho is now a modern sport with elements of sports science integrated into it. It is played in 61 nations across all six continents. Youth are inclined to make a career in Kho Kho as it has opportunities and recognition.”
The sport gained international visibility following India’s successful hosting of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, where the women’s team clinched the title. Coach Munni Joon from that championship-winning squad attended the press conference in Kurukshetra.
Tournament Structure
The championship follows a league-cum-knockout format with 120 matches scheduled across the first three days. Pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals take place on February 3, while semifinals and finals conclude the event on February 4.
Four playfields at Keshav Park will host simultaneous matches, with three mat fields ensuring professional playing conditions. Around 300 coaches and technical officials have been deployed to manage the competition smoothly.
“All arrangements have been finalized for the smooth conduct of the championship,” confirms Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary at KKFI. “These young talents have a bright future in sport and we will provide them with all required support.”
Defending Champions
Maharashtra claimed both boys’ and girls’ titles at the 34th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship held in Simdega, Jharkhand (September 28 – October 2, 2024). Teams will be looking to dethrone the defending champions or maintain Maharashtra’s dominance.
With 1,100 young athletes competing for national glory, the championship represents grassroots development in one of India’s traditional sports now gaining modern recognition and global reach.
For more sports tournament coverage and updates, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
When and where is the championship being held?
January 31 – February 4, 2026, at Keshav Park in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Who won the previous Sub-Junior National Championship?
Maharashtra won both boys’ and girls’ categories at the 34th edition in Jharkhand (2024).
