Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Kho-Kho is far more than a sport, it is a symbol of India’s cultural ethos and the fragrance of its soil. He said the traditional game proves that limited resources can never stand in the way of talent, as it requires neither expensive equipment nor vast infrastructure.
Kho-Kho nurtures agility, strategy, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to take swift decisions. The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho-Kho Championship (Boys and Girls) at Keshav Park on Saturday.
He formally declared the championship open and also announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh for the Kho-Kho Association, and personally interacted with the participating players. Cabinet Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar and Rajya Sabha MP, Sh. Subhash Barala were also present on the occasion.
They interacted with the players and congratulated the organisers for the smooth and commendable conduct of the national-level championship. Highlighting Haryana’s commitment to sports, the Chief Minister said the state has adopted a clear and forward-looking sports vision aimed at connecting every child with sports, developing playgrounds in every village, and providing equal opportunities to talented youth.
With this objective, sports competitions are organised throughout the year across the state. Referring to the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s resolve, he said India is preparing for the 2036 Olympics with the goal of emerging as a global sports superpower.
National initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India are a reflection of this vision. Haryana is widely regarded as the nursery of sports, with its athletes consistently bringing laurels to the country at international forums, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Expressing pride, the Chief Minister said the land of Haryana is the same sacred soil where Lord Krishna imparted the eternal message of duty, discipline, and righteous action to Arjuna. From this very land, traditional Indian games like Kho-Kho are spreading the values of discipline, dedication, teamwork, and national unity across the country.
He said the championship marks not merely the start of a sporting event, but a celebration of India’s sporting culture, youth strength, and a promising future. The Chief Minister said that a championship of this level was last hosted in Haryana in 2012, and after nearly 12–13 years, the state is once again witnessing this grand national sports festival.
Thirty-four teams from across India and other sports units are participating in the championship, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for traditional Indian sports. The five-day tournament will conclude on February 4.
He further said that approximately 1,080 boys and girls from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to the Northeast have gathered to showcase their talent, hard work, and confidence. Along with them, 210 dedicated coaches are present, who have invested years in training and mentoring these young athletes.
Despite differences in language, attire, and culture, the shared spirit of sports unites everyone, he said, adding that sports have the unique power to break barriers and bind the nation together. The Chief Minister emphasised that at a time when several countries across the world are adopting and learning from India’s traditional games, it is a collective responsibility to preserve this invaluable heritage and elevate it on the global stage.
He said that athletes from Haryana have proudly hoisted the national flag at major events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
40 matches played on opening day
Welcoming the dignitaries, President, Haryana Sports Kho-Kho Association, Jawahar Singh Yadav said the championship will continue for five days and features teams from across the country. He informed us that 40 matches were played on the opening day.
General Secretary, Kho-Kho Federation of India,Upkar Singh Virk, said that while Kho-Kho was traditionally played on soil, the game has now evolved and is being played on modern mats as well.
The event was attended by BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik, former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Kho-Kho Federation of India President Sudhanshu Mittal, and several other dignitaries.