From guarding icy borders to competing on Telangana’s playfields, India’s security personnel are proving their mettle at the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship in Kazipet. These guardians in uniform bring the same dedication, discipline, and resilience to the court that they show defending the nation—transforming a sporting contest into a powerful display of service values.
Warriors Beyond Borders: Tournament Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship |
| Dates | January 11-15, 2026 |
| Venue | Kazipet, Telangana |
| Format | League-cum-knockout |
| Finals | January 15, 2026 |
| Teams | CAPF (ITBP + SSB), AIPSCB (9 state police forces) |
| State Forces | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, UP, Tamil Nadu, Punjab |
| Categories | Men’s and Women’s |
Passion Transcending Duty
Damor Reetaben, a 26-year-old ITBP Constable, exemplifies this dedication. Despite high-altitude postings in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh—where terrain makes Kho Kho practice impossible—she never abandoned her passion. “When I was posted to Haldwani, Uttarakhand, I resumed practice. Kho Kho is a passion that runs through my veins,” she shares.
Her colleague Anjali Devi, also an ITBP Constable from Haryana, has played since school and intensified training after joining the force. Having competed at the 2017 Senior Nationals in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, she represents the growing sports culture within security forces.
Family Legacy and Sports Quotas
Aditya Mohod, a 23-year-old Maharashtra Police Constable from Amravati, comes from a Kho Kho family—all four brothers play the sport. “This is my third Senior National Championship. I secured my job through the Kho Kho sports quota and I am as dedicated to sports as I am to my police duty,” he explains.
Siddu Naik, a 24-year-old Telangana Police Constable with 12 years of Kho Kho experience, competed five times at School Games Nationals. “It’s a proud moment to play at the Senior Nationals. I want to make the Telangana Police, my state and my nation proud,” he states.
Unity Through Competition
The championship features combined Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) teams comprising ITBP and SSB personnel in both men’s and women’s categories. The All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) fields teams drawn from nine state police forces, creating a unique platform where law enforcement professionals showcase athletic excellence.
Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President of Kho Kho Federation of India, emphasizes: “Kho Kho is not just a sport—it’s a reflection of our nation’s values: dedication, unity, resilience and service. This championship is a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion for the game.”
Beyond the Uniform
These athletes balance demanding security responsibilities with rigorous training schedules, proving that excellence in service and sport are complementary pursuits. Their participation demonstrates how traditional Indian sports continue to thrive within institutional frameworks, inspiring younger generations to pursue both athletic and professional excellence.
The semi-finals and finals on January 15 will determine champions who embody the warrior spirit both on duty and on the playfield.
