By Nikhar Budhadev
Kho Kho Australia spotlights the fast-paced Indian sport Kho Kho from a new angle through the Australian Masters Games. This partnership seeks to promote a version of Kho Kho that is simplified and modified to suit competitors of all ages and abilities, especially seniors. It also aims to capture the inclusive ethos of the Masters Games, motivating participants to play sport.
As the reputation of traditional Kho Kho suggests, the sport is played at high speeds and involves tactical chasing and agility, all of which could pose challenges for older or less fit competitors. This concern was the motivation for Kho Kho Australia to develop a new modified version for the Masters Games that is still exciting without the sport losing its thrill.
Image: Kho Kho Australia partners with Australian Masters Games to showcase inclusive sport (Source: Supplied)
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“Our inspiration came from a desire to make Kho Kho more accessible and enjoyable for all fitness levels,” said a spokesperson for Kho Kho Australia.
“The Masters Games celebrates lifelong participation in sport, so introducing a simplified version aligns perfectly with that philosophy, allowing seniors to be part of the action in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.”
The Australian Masters Games will present two exhibition formats of Kho Kho: one played under the official rules of the Kho Kho Federation, demonstrating the sport’s agility and speed, and the other a modified, slower-paced version suited to masters-level players.
The two presentation formats are designed to show that Kho Kho can be played by people of every age and ability. “The exhibition will highlight the sport’s versatility,” the spokesperson explained.
“More agile and fit players will demonstrate the speed and agility Kho Kho is famous for, while the masters’ format will show how the same sport can be enjoyed at a different pace without losing its strategic depth.”
Retaining the essential elements of Kho Kho, which are the chase, tagging, and tactics, the modified version has shorter playing time, longer rests, less physical contact, and more flexibility in substitutions. This makes it a safer, more comfortable game for older players while retaining the energy and excitement of the sport.
Image: Kho Kho Australia partners with Australian Masters Games to showcase inclusive sport (Source: Supplied)
“We’ve shortened play durations and introduced longer rest intervals to suit varying endurance levels,” the representative said.
“Contact intensity and attacker stance are adapted to make the game more comfortable for masters’ participants.”
The Australian Masters Games is an important forum for Kho Kho Australia to reach a wider audience in Australia, where players, spectators, and sports administrators can observe the potential of Kho Kho. Kho Kho Australia hopes the exposure it gets from the Games will stimulate interest and curiosity in local communities and schools and generate broader interest in the sport, fostering its growth throughout the nation. “This showcase introduces Kho Kho to a wider Australian audience,” said the Kho Kho Australia team.
“It’s a powerful platform to spark curiosity, foster participation, and build partnerships with local sporting communities.”
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With interest from the International Kho Kho Federation showing enthusiasm for this format, there’s a chance it may become a regular event in the future and be included in future Masters Games.
Image: Kho Kho Australia partners with Australian Masters Games to showcase inclusive sport (Source: Supplied)
The difficulties in introducing a new sport like Kho Kho to a major Australian event like the Masters Games were, however, limited. These included acceptance into the program, suitable venues, financial assistance, and more.
“Introducing Kho Kho to the Masters Games was one of our biggest challenges,” the spokesperson admitted. “As a traditional Indian sport, it was new to many organizers and participants, so gaining acceptance and understanding took considerable effort. We faced three main practical hurdles: securing a place in the Games program, finding a proper Kho Kho playing ground with regulation poles, and obtaining financial support, as sponsorships were difficult to secure. We arranged to use an existing field with temporary markings and poles and sought financial and in-kind support from community partners and sponsors.”
Image: Kho Kho Australia partners with Australian Masters Games to showcase inclusive sport (Source: Supplied)
Kho Kho is a traditional Indian tag sport in which two sides contend against each other in the art of chasing and tagging opponents within a given area. The sport requires speed and agility, skill in teamwork and tactics, and mental sharpness. Kho Kho enjoys significant popularity in India and is gaining increasing recognition worldwide due to its unique combination of physical and tactical skill.
Kho Kho Australia partnering with the Masters Games shows how the tradition can be presented to modern multicultural Australian communities in a way that is healthy, provides equal opportunity, and encourages intergenerational participation.
Kho Kho Australia will present an exhibition match at the Australian Masters Games on 23 October in Australia’s capital, Canberra.
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