Kho Kho is a tag game ofIndia. Its origins are as old as Mahabharata, with strategies and tacticslikely derived from Mahabharata itself. On the 13th day of the war, the KauravaGuru Dronacharya planned the unique tactics Chakraviyu a special military defensivestrategy breached by the expert warrior Abhimanyu. He died as he had to fightalone against seven other warriors and he received heavy casualties. His styleof fighting reflects the concept of ring play: a defensive tactic in the game.
This game fosters manydesirable traits such as sportsmanship, teamwork, loyalty, competitiveness, andself-esteem as well as speed, agility, strategy and quick thinking. This gamein itself is a personal development tool for the athlete that takes up thechallenge.
First event in 1914
First-ever Kho Khocompetition was held in the year 1914. In 1959 first National Championship washeld under Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), established in the year 1955.
The Asian Kho KhoFederation (AKKF) was set up in the year 1987 where 3rd SAF Game was held inCalcutta, India. Countries which joined AKKF were India, Bangladesh, Maldives,Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In 1996, first AKKF Championship happened in Kolkata,India. The 2nd Asian Championship was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Countries which participated in this championship were India, Pakistan, SriLanka, Japan, Nepal and Thailand.
Traditional Indian Sport
Kho Kho, a traditionalIndian sport, has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is a game ofspeed, agility, and strategy, played between two teams. Maharashtra in Indiahas been known to produce good Kho Kho players with active enthusiasm for thissports from both genders.
According to historicalrecords, kho kho was played as early as the 4th century BC during the time ofthe Maurya Empire in ancient India. The game gained widespread popularity inthe 20th century, with the first national kho kho championship in Indiaorganized in 1959, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development.Today, kho kho is played across India, with numerous state and national-leveltournaments held annually.
Kho-Kho on Mats
To facilitate thisfast-paced sport, mats are an essential component, providing a safe andsuitable playing surface. The evolution of kho kho mats in India showcases theingenuity and adaptability of the game, as well as the cultural and historicalcontext in which it has developed.
Early Origins andTraditional Materials
The roots of kho kho canbe traced back to ancient India. Initially, the game was played on naturalsurfaces like grass or bare ground. As the sport gained popularity, playersbegan experimenting with various materials to enhance the playing surface.Traditional materials such as straw, leaves, or reeds were woven together tocreate mats that provided some cushioning and reduced the risk of injuriesduring intense matches.
Local Techniques andRegional Variations
As kho kho evolved indifferent regions of India, local techniques and materials influenced thedesign of the mats. In some areas, mats were woven using natural fibres likecoir or jute, which were abundantly available. These mats were sturdy, yetflexible, allowing players to make quick movements without hindrance. In otherregions, materials like cotton or silk were incorporated into the mat-makingprocess to add a touch of comfort and elegance.
Introduction of SyntheticMaterials:
With the advent of modernmaterials, the construction of kho kho mats took a significant leap forward.Synthetic materials such as rubber, foam, and advanced fabrics startedreplacing traditional ones. These new materials provided improved shockabsorption, durability, and consistency in the playing surface. Theintroduction of synthetic mats brought greater uniformity to the game, ensuringthat players experienced a consistent level of bounce and grip, regardless ofthe geographical location.
Technological Advancements
In the Berlin 1936 OlympicsGames, Kho Kho was included as a demonstration sport and in 1987 it wasintroduced at the South Asian Federation Games in XX Kolkata. Currently, morethan 25 countries worldwide practice and compete in this sport. Since the sportstarted getting traction over the years, advancements in technology andmanufacturing have further transformed Kho Kho mats. High-density foams,reinforced rubber compounds, and specialized textile weaves are now used tocreate mats that cater specifically to the needs of the sport. These modernmats offer optimal traction, and impact absorption, and are designed tominimize friction burns, enhancing player safety and performance.
For instance, the use ofadvanced foam materials with shock-absorbing properties has significantlyreduced the risk of impact-related injuries during intense gameplay.
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