Mansukh Mandaviya advocates for Kho Kho in Asian Games and 2036 Olympics

NEW DELHI: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently articulated the government's ambition to internationalize traditional Indian sports, emphasizing efforts to include kho kho in the Asian Games and potentially the 2036 Olympics.

The Indian government is committed to taking traditional Indian sports to the international stage. Mandaviya expressed the government's aspiration to have kho kho, a traditional Indian sport, included in the Asian Games and the 2036 Olympics, should India secure the hosting rights for the latter.

"We did a splendid job of organising the Kho Kho World Cup and we need to make an effort that these players get a chance to play at the Asian Games," Mandaviya said. "The Government's endeavour is also to take kho kho to the Olympics in 2036. For this, the players and coaches need to keep performing well, the federation has to keep managing well and the Sports Ministry will carry on supporting and helping to raise the level of players' performances."

India has submitted a 'Letter of Intent' to the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission, indicating its desire to host the 2036 Olympics.

If successful, the Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell plans to recommend the inclusion of six sports, including kho kho, Twenty20 cricket, kabaddi, chess, and squash.

Mandaviya acknowledged the successful organization of the Kho Kho World Cup and emphasized the need for collective efforts to provide opportunities for kho kho players to participate in the Asian Games.




He highlighted the government's endeavor to take kho kho to the 2036 Olympics, contingent upon the players, coaches, and federation maintaining their performance levels, with the Sports Ministry's continued support.

The minister praised traditional games for showcasing resilience, community spirit, and upholding traditional sporting values, stating that the world has much to learn from the richness of these games.

He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on providing the best exposure to traditional sports, which is now being realized through the success of Indian teams in international competitions.

The chief coach of the Indian women's kho kho team credited the team's success to a month-long camp that helped forge chemistry among players from diverse regions of the country.