Taking a significant step towards promoting indigenous sports in the country, the Odisha government on Monday announced a three-year sponsorship with the Indian national Kho-Kho team.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state will invest Rs 5 crore annually from January 2025 to December 2027. Funding will be provided through Odisha Mining Corporation.
The sponsorship of Rs 15 crore for Kho-Kho following the successful sponsorship with the Indian hockey team reflects Odisha’s continued commitment to sports development. The aim of this initiative is to raise the status of Kho-Kho and provide necessary support to the national team.
Majhi said, “This is a historic moment for Kho-Kho in India. By supporting our indigenous sports, we are preserving our cultural heritage and also creating new opportunities for the players.”
He said, “Just as we have played a role in transforming Indian hockey, we are also taking steps to make Kho-Kho popular again. This positions Odisha as a catalyst for sporting excellence.”
Indian Kho-Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal welcomed the initiative. India will host the first Kho-Kho World Cup this month from January 13 to 19 in New Delhi.
Mittal said, “Odisha’s commitment to Kho-Kho marks a turning point for this traditional game. This sponsorship will significantly enhance our ability to develop world-class players and promote Kho-Kho on the global stage.”
It will strengthen the development of sponsorship, training infrastructure and facilitate participation in national and international competitions. Officials say the partnership will also provide branding opportunities for Odisha at national and international sporting events.