Overview

Kho-Kho is a popular Indian game that combines speed, strategy, and teamwork. Played on a rectangular field with two teams, players from one team try to tag players from the other team before they can “sit” on the ground and avoid being tagged.

Players

Each team includes 10-12 players, all of whom must be at least 6 years old.

Game Setup

Playing Field

Set up a rectangular field, typically measuring 27 meters by 16 meters. Additionally, mark two rectangles at each end and a central lane.

Teams

Divide the players into two equal teams.

Initial Positions

First, have one team sit on their knees in the central lane, with each player facing opposite directions alternately. Meanwhile, the other team, the runners, stands ready outside the field.

Game Rules

Starting the Game

To start the game, a player from the sitting team, known as the chaser, attempts to tag the runners.

Tagging

The chaser runs and tries to tag the runners before they sit down. Once a runner is tagged, they are out.

Sitting

Runners can sit down to avoid being tagged. Once seated, they are safe and cannot be tagged.

Chasers’ Turn

The chaser can pass the turn to a teammate by touching them and shouting “Kho.” Subsequently, the new chaser must run in the opposite direction.

Inning Duration

Each inning lasts for a predetermined amount of time, usually 7 minutes. After the inning ends, the teams switch roles.

Scoring

Points

Teams score points for each runner tagged by the chasers.

Winning

The team with the most points at the end of all innings wins the game.

Additional Rules

Boundaries

Runners must stay within the field boundaries. If they step out, they are considered out.

Fair Play

Players must adhere to the rules and play honestly. Referees oversee the game to ensure fair play.

Variations

Time Limits

Adjust the time limits for each inning based on the players’ ages and skills.

Team Size

Adjust the number of players on each team based on the total number of participants.

By following these guidelines, players can enjoy an exciting game of Kho-Kho that emphasizes agility, strategy, and teamwork.