The two top teams of each group, along with the two best-performing third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals. Two yellow cards accumulated in different matches of a tournament will force the player to miss the next match. A direct red card, meanwhile, results in suspension from the ongoing match and the next match of the tournament. • The game is played between two teams, with one team chasing and the other defending. These Kho Kho famous players are known for their all-round capabilities and standout defensive or attacking performances.

When a chaser tags a defender, the chasing team earns a point, and the tagged defender leaves the field. Once all three defenders are tagged, the next batch of three defenders enters the game. Once a defender is touched by a chaser, the chasing team wins a point and the tagged defender leaves the field of play.

This is the reason why people in every corner of India play Kho-Kho with great enthusiasm. Every player has to play in coordination with his teammates so that they can understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and play accordingly. If a team has a lead of 6 or 8 points in the first innings, they can enforce a “follow-on” on the opposing team. The team trailing must chase first in the second innings, and the team enforcing the follow-on can take their chasing turn last if the deficit is erased. The defending team, meanwhile, sends in a group of three defenders for the start of the match. Kho Kho is believed to have originated in the Maharashtra region of India.

Teams Participating Under the Asian Kho Kho Federation & International Kho Kho Federation

• The identity of each squad in competitive Kho Kho is closely tied to how it is named and presented visually.
• The winning captain puts his hands up and points their index finger towards either the central line, signalling a chase, or the side lines, signalling a defence.
• Chasers must adhere to directional and receding rules, while defenders rely on positioning and timing to avoid being tagged.
• Both captains of men and women played a critical role not just on the mat but in preparing their teams for global challenges.
• When a chaser tags a defender, the chasing team earns a point, and the tagged defender leaves the field.

Kho Kho uses yellow and red cards for violations like aggressive tackles or bad behavior. A yellow card is a caution, and two yellow cards in a match will cause the player to sit out the rest of the match and the next one. Two yellow cards in different matches will cause a player to miss the next match. A direct red card results in suspension from the ongoing match and the next match. Also, an attacker who tags the last remaining kho kho team composition defender of a batch cannot continue the chase.

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• Kho Kho players represent the core of one of the most dynamic traditional sports in India.
• The ninth chaser, called the attacker or active chaser, starts the match from one of the free zones.
• Supporting the captain are seasoned players who understand momentum, timing, and opponent patterns.
• Due to official guidelines, a playing squad comprises 15 individuals, with seven active attackers and 12 defenders on the field during various turns.
• The team trailing must chase first in the second innings, and the team enforcing the follow-on can take their chasing turn last if the deficit is erased.
• This structure ensures that the game remains balanced, fast-paced, and strategically engaging.
• Traditionally teams send in their best three defenders first to eat up as much of the designated time as possible.

Yes, India has a dedicated Kho Kho team of women, which won the 2025 World Cup with an undefeated record and exceptional overall performance. Here’s your ultimate guide to the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, with everything you need to know about the rules, regulations, and format. Kho Kho was also demonstrated during the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and the first-ever Asian Championship was held in Kolkata in 1996. It was also a medal sport at the South Asian Games 2016 in Guwahati.

Meet the Captains of the Indian Kho Kho Teams (

Both captains of men and women played a critical role not just on the mat but in preparing their teams for global challenges. How many players in Kho Kho is a question that often arises among those exploring traditional Indian team sports. Known for its speed, agility, and strategic movement, Kho Kho demands precise coordination among all participants.

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The game was originally played on chariots, known as ratha in Hindi, and was called Rathera. The game was also known as Kho Dhwani Krida, which translates to “a game where the sound ‘kho’ is made”. An indigenous Indian sport, Kho Kho has evolved from being played on muddy surfaces to being played on mats. Selection is based on league performance, fitness trials, skill assessments, and recommendations from national coaches and state-level associations. Known for his tactical awareness and exceptional skill as an all-rounder, he led the squad of men with authority and composure.

These governing bodies ensure standardised rules, training frameworks, and tournament protocols across regions. While the division of men has been featured prominently in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, the league format of women is still under development. The exceptional performance by the Indian team of women brought nationwide attention, sparking demand for dedicated league events. International fixtures feature country-based squads, while leagues follow a commercial and regional approach. These characteristics of the game make it extremely popular all over India. It not only provides entertainment but also makes the players physically and mentally strong.

Overview of Indian Team Captains – the Role in Team Strategy

Like football, the concepts of yellow and red cards exist in Kho Kho. Cards are given out for violations like disorderly behaviour, overly aggressive tackles or for a variety of other technical fouls. The sequence repeats for another innings and the team with the most points wins, according to Kho Kho rules. The batch of three for each group of defenders and the sequence in which each batch enters needs to remain the same during a turn.

Their contributions have been instrumental in national victories and have inspired a new generation of athletes. The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup starts on January 13, Monday. The competition, backed by the Indian Olympic Association has a total of 39 teams featuring in the first edition. There are a total of 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s team, who are competing for title.

Once all three defenders are out, the defending team sends in the next batch of three defenders. Each affiliated team is recognised officially for international events, including the World Cup and invitational series. Their role is vital in promoting talent, developing infrastructure, and facilitating cross-border competitions. Strong leadership and skilled execution define the dominance of India in international Kho Kho. Behind each successful match lies a combination of strategic thinking, coordination, and individual brilliance. The Indian Kho Kho team captain plays a central role in guiding the on-field decisions and maintaining morale of the squad.

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Kho Kho in India features well-established male and female squads at both domestic and international levels. Each team adheres to the same gameplay structure, but there are distinctions in visibility, league presence, and historical representation. The rise of the participation of women has been particularly noticeable in recent years, culminating in major international victories. This composition allows a team to maintain high energy levels while managing tactical substitutions. The sitting attackers and active attacker must follow strict role-switching rules.

Importance of Understanding the Team Composition & Player Roles

The remaining three players can be used as substitutes during the match. Generally, Khos are given when a defender crosses over to the other end of the central lane, so tagging in a chaser facing that direction of the court is always the norm. Tags or Khos to chasing team-mates are generally made on the back, between the shoulder and waist. If a teammate extends his arm or feet for a Kho, it is deemed illegal.