Kho Kho is a traditional Indian sport that originated in Maharashtra and has since become popular throughout the country. It is a team sport that requires speed, agility, and strategic thinking. Kho Kho is popular among children and adults alike. It is a team game that requires physical fitness, speed, and agility. In this article, we will explore the rules of Kho Kho, including how to play, the equipment required, and the basic techniques involved.
Table of contents
Kho-Kho Playground
The game is played by two teams, each consisting of 12 players. The game is played on a rectangular court that is approximately 27 meters long and 16 meters wide. The court is divided into two halves, with each team occupying one half. One team is designated as the chaser, while the other team is the runner.
The field has two rectangles, one at each end. The chasing team’s rectangle is known as the ‘pakka’ while the defending team’s rectangle is known as the ‘kaccha.’ The defending team has to avoid getting tagged while staying within the boundaries of their rectangle. Once a player is tagged, they have to leave the field, and the team has to continue with one player less.
Objective Of the Game
The objective of Kho Kho is for the chasing team to tag all the players of the opposing team in the shortest time possible, while the defending team tries to prevent them from doing so. The chaser can only move along the perimeter of the court, while the runners can move anywhere within their half of the court. The runners must try to avoid getting tagged by the chaser and can do so by crossing over to the other half of the court and touching any of their teammates.
Team Composition
A game of Kho Kho is played between two teams, with each team comprising of 12 players. Out of these 12 players, 9 players are on the field while the other 3 are kept as reserve players. The game starts with one team playing as the chasers while the other team plays as the defenders.
Gameplay
The game is divided into two halves, with each half lasting for 7 minutes. The teams swap roles at halftime. The chasing team tries to tag the defenders as quickly as possible, and the defending team tries to evade the chasers for as long as possible.
The game begins when the chaser calls out “Kho!” and starts chasing the defenders. The defenders, in turn, run around the field in random directions to avoid getting tagged. The chaser has to tag the defender with his or her hands while shouting “Kho!” before the defender can touch any part of the field outside the rectangle.
Equipment
The only equipment required to play Kho Kho is a rectangular field marked with lines, a stopwatch, and comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. The game is usually played on a grass field, but it can also be played on a hard surface, such as a basketball court or a concrete playground.
Techniques
Kho Kho requires players to be quick on their feet, agile, and able to change directions quickly. The chasing team must be able to tag the defenders while avoiding getting trapped in a pincer movement. The defending team, on the other hand, must use their speed and agility to evade the chasers and stay within the boundaries of their rectangle.
One of the most important techniques in Kho Kho is the ‘knee jump,’ which involves jumping and changing direction mid-air. This technique allows players to evade the chaser and quickly change direction, making it difficult for the chaser to tag them. Another important technique is the ‘slide,’ which involves sliding on the ground to avoid getting tagged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kho Kho is a traditional Indian sport. It requires teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking. It is played at both amateur and professional levels, with many schools and colleges in India including it in their sports curriculum It is a fun, fast-paced game that requires speed, agility, and strategic thinking. By following the rules of Kho Kho and practicing the basic techniques involved, anyone can enjoy this exciting game. So, gather your friends and family and get ready to play Kho Kho
