Kho Kho is a traditional Indian sport that has been played for thousands of years. It’s a game that marries speed, precision, intelligence, and agility. This article will delve into the world of Kho Kho, exploring its unique aspects, benefits, and the skills it helps develop.
The Game of Kho Kho
Kho Kho is played between two teams, each consisting of nine active players and three substitutes. The game starts with a toss, and one side becomes the defending team while the other becomes the chasing team. Kho Kho is played in two innings, with each team getting a chance to chase and defend. An inning consists of two rounds of play, where each team chases and defends once.
The game is played on a rectangular court of different sizes. The court is divided by a center lane, which accommodates eight players from the chasing team. The court has two wooden or metallic poles fixed firmly at each inner end of the center line. There is a rectangle area, which every defender and chaser must enter and remain inside its bounds, as long as the chase continues.
Rules of Kho Kho
The active chaser has to follow certain rules while touching the defenders, such as running in one direction until he crosses the poles, avoiding contact with the center line since he is not allowed to cross the center line as defenders are, switching his position by tapping his nearest sitting teammate with his palm, and mandatory chanting the word “Kho.”
Once the batch of the first three players is touched and sent out, another batch of three players will come on the court. This goes on until all nine players are touched and sent out, thus ending the first innings. After that, the chasing team becomes the defending team, and the game goes on in the same fashion. Each team has to play two innings of seven minutes. After four innings, the points are calculated, and the winner is declared.
Equipment to Play Kho Kho
Kho Kho game needs no other equipment than a court, uniforms, shoes, and two poles. This game demands physical fitness, strategy, coordination, flexibility, dodging tactics, diving skills, and quick reflexes on the court.
Promoting Kho Kho
Promoting Kho Kho can be done through schools, local sports clubs, and community centers. Organizing Kho Kho matches, tournaments, and training camps can help attract more players to the sport. Showcasing successful Kho Kho players and teams can also inspire more people to take up the sport.
In conclusion, Kho Kho is a thrilling sport that offers numerous benefits. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and teamwork that helps develop physical fitness, mental acuity, and social skills. As more people take up the sport, we can look forward to more exciting and competitive Kho Kho matches in the future.
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