Following a triumphant, exhilarating, and engaging debut season that reached an audience of 164 million households, Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) is set to return for its spectacular second instalment, launching on December 24, 2023, and concluding with the grand finale on January 13, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.
In line with Honorable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s vision of sports for youth and youth for the future, the Odisha government has not only successfully hosted several significant international sports events but also built top-tier multi-sport facilities and provided exceptional sporting experiences for local sports lovers.
Odisha to host Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2; Mud to Mat spectacle to kickstart on December 24, 2023, and final on January 13, 2024
“We’re thrilled to bring the second edition of the Ultimate Kho Kho to Odisha. This is a tremendous occasion for all involved. Kho-Kho is more than just a game in Odisha; it’s a beloved sport that’s widely followed. Hosting the next edition here offers our citizens the chance to witness the spectacle first-hand and perhaps be motivated to participate themselves. We are wholly committed to ensuring this season is a resounding success,” stated Tusharkanti Behera, Hon’ble Minister of State, Electronics & IT, Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha.
UKK, brought to life by Amit Burman in partnership with the Kho Kho Federation of India, is devoted to revamping and championing this traditional sport in a more dynamic and appealing way.
“We express our deepest appreciation to the Odisha Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik for their support for Season 2. The overwhelming success of the inaugural season has sparked substantial interest from brands, leading to new partnerships. We continue to prioritize partners who align with our long-term vision. Season 2 aims to foster new-age superstars, particularly through the inclusion of young talent. Expect heightened rivalries, electrifying action, increased speed, and innovations that will revolutionize the sports viewing experience, making it more immersive,” commented Tenzing Niyogi, CEO and League Commissioner of Ultimate Kho Kho.
FinNest (A BNP Group Company), a private equity investment firm, has recently invested in Ultimate Kho Kho to amplify the indigenous growth story. Dr. Biswanath Patnaik, Founder and Chairman of BNP Group, expressed his excitement: “BNP Group is delighted to support this initiative, transforming local sports into a modern spectacle and enabling aspiring indigenous youth to excel. Our goal is to advance this initiative, showcasing India’s best-kept sports secrets to the world, promoting Indigenous sports, and cultivating talent for the global stage. The Ultimate Kho Kho is a key component of our expanding sports Investment portfolio, and we anticipate mutually beneficial synergies.”
UKK has successfully modernized ‘desh ke mitti ka khel’ (the game of the country’s soil), with the inaugural season establishing itself as India’s third-largest non-cricket league in terms of TV audience reach.
The success of the first season is underscored by its impressive viewership of 164 million. The league attracted a total of 41 million viewers in India and 64 million worldwide across TV and OTT platforms during the 34 matches held over three weeks. Moreover, Season 1 generated 60 million interactions and 225 million video views across platforms, surpassing any other non-cricket league. A notable feature of UKK Season 1 was the introduction of the spider cam, marking it as the first indoor league in India to utilise this advanced technology in covering one of the fastest sports.
