New Delhi:Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajeev Mehta has said he is optimistic about Kho Kho's inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Japan.
Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, is currently played by 25 countries across the world.Mr Mehta informed that Kho Kho was formally recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia during the 18th Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2018.
''I hope it gets full status in the 2026 Asian Games. My dream is to see Kho Kho eventually grow to the level of Commonwealth Games and Olympics, " Mehta, who is also the Asian Kho Kho Federation President, said at a press conference in the national capital on Monday.
International Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal also expressed confidence that the sport will be included in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as a 'demonstration game'.
Three Asian Kho Kho championships have been held so far - India (1996, 2016) and Bangladesh (2000) while the fourth edition will again be held in India in August later this year.
As part of bilateral promotion, Kho Kho 'test matches' have been played between India and England and India and Nepal. The next 'test match' is planned between India and Sri Lanka.
To train players internationally, coaches have been deputed in several countries including South Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Singapore and Sri Lanka, said Mr Mehta.
He also informed that Kho Kho Federation of India is conducting the first-ever 'Level 1' international coaching camps in two phases to give technical support to all the affiliated countries.
The first phase (February 23 to March 20), in which 66 players from 16 countries are being trained on mats, is currently underway at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.
"Nine countries could not participate in the first phase, currently underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. They will be invited to the second phase of coaching to be organised in London in May-June, this year, " Mehta said.
Talking about the much awaited 'Ultimate Kho Kho League', Mehta said it will be held from November 27 to December 20 this year in Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad.
"Eight teams will make the quorum for the 'Ultimate Kho Kho League. Overseas players, who will perform well in international coaching camps in Delhi and London, will be included in the auction for the composition of eight teams of the 'Ultimate Kho Kho League,'' he added.(UNI)