Know About The History Of Kho Kho

One of India's favorite indigenous games is Kho Kho, a testament to this country's glorious cultural and sporting heritage. Its origins trace back to the distant past. This tag-team sport has been gaining popularity for centuries and today boasts huge prominence on national as well as international platforms.

Ancient Roots: 13th Century

It was believed to have originated in the Yadava dynasty of Maharashtra between 1187 and 1317 CE. Kho kho was originally called "Ringa" or "Raja-Khoja." In this variant of Kho Kho, there were several running individuals chasing each other in circles. It was a sport demanding flexibility and coordination - those that characterize it even now.

Mughal Period (16th century)
Throughout the Mughal period, Kho Kho spread all over India and became popular among royalty and villagers. During the time of Akbar, 1556-1605 CE, changes in the rules and tactics were initiated, allowing the game to evolve and gain acceptance.

19th Century British Colonial Period
The emergence of British sports such as cricket and hockey eclipsed the relevance of traditional games like Kho Kho. However, Nationalists stepped in with support for this game- waving it as the epitome of Indian culture and a mode of physical training. It was in this period that there was a need to standardize the form of the game.

Post-Independence (20th Century)
Gaining greater prominence after India's independence, Kho Kho was given impetus in the form of building standardized rules and national championships through the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), formed in 1958.
The mid-20th century saw the game being taken up in school and college, which spawned a new generation of players.

Recognition Abroad
In 1987, the International Kho Kho Federation was established with India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as founding members. The game currently gets worldwide attention and is played in over 20 countries. It was also featured in events such as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which took place in 2017, meaning it has more international attraction.

Key Achievements
The first ever All-India Kho Kho Championship was organized in Bombay in the year 1936, which today is termed as Mumbai.
1959: KKFI was enrolled in the Indian Olympic Association
1987: With the inception of IKKF, Kho Kho gained international status

Variations and Rules
Traditional Kho Kho: It consists of 9-12 players in every team.
Modern Kho Kho: This game is played with 7 players in each team on synthetic surfaces
Beach Kho Kho: A new variation of this game, played on sand to increase agility

Benefits and Popularity
Kho Kho is a game that will bring forth several advantages, including improvement of agility and speed, besides refreshing the state of physical and mental concentration. It has reached urban schools and rural India, interacting with the community at large.

Conclusion
Kho Kho, an Indian sport, indeed is a strong pride for India's sporting traditions-from ancient Maharashtra to the international appeal, this game continues to make many characters and audiences mesmerized.