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. However, they can tag one of their fellow inactive chasers while uttering the word ‘Kho’ to hand over the chase to them. The instant a ‘Kho’ is made, the tagged chaser becomes the active chaser and the one who gives the ‘Kho’ becomes inactive and has to sit down in the now active chaser’s position. Eight players take a sitting position, crouched in the eight small rectangles formed by the intersection of the central and cross lanes. The squad for Indian team is all set to play in the first ever Kho Kho world cup 2025.

When the defending team scores above 9, its captain has an option to stop first innings like declaration in cricket. Second innings can also be called to close earlier by its skipper at any moment. The winning captain raises their hand and points their finger either towards the central line (for chasing) or the sidelines (for defending).

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Known for its speed, agility, and strategic movement, Kho Kho demands precise coordination among all participants. Eight players sit in the small rectangles formed by the intersection of the central and cross lanes. The ninth player, called the attacker or active chaser, starts from one of the free zones. The India Kho Kho team demonstrated this structure effectively during the 2025 World Cup, maintaining strong coordination and consistent performance throughout.

Kho Kho World Cup: Rules

They know about every aspect of the Kho-Kho game from inside out. They manage match rhythm, rotate players strategically, and ensure the team adapts to dynamic play conditions. The captain initiates defensive setups, controls the transition between turns, and makes tactical changes based on the opposing approach of the team.

Each Kho Kho team includes 12 players—9 active participants and 3 substitutes—ensuring flexibility and balance during match play and team rotations. Regular participation in federation-approved events helps teams gain global exposure and rankings. Through structured guidance, these federations have successfully brought Kho Kho to new audiences and elevated its standing in the international sporting landscape. The identity of each squad in competitive Kho Kho is closely tied to how it is named and presented visually. Team names and jerseys serve a larger purpose than just distinguishing players on the field—they represent culture, strategy, and allegiance.

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In 2025, both teams benefited from experienced leadership and a deep talent pool, delivering an unbeaten campaign in the World Cup. Attackers must follow strict movement rules, such as not crossing the central lane without using the poles or giving a proper kho. Defenders, in contrast, can use the entire field but must avoid stepping outside the boundary, which would result in dismissal.

At the international level, names are based on national affiliation, while franchise leagues follow regional branding. Jerseys carry specific colours, numbers, and emblems to reflect a heritage and spirit of the team. The evolution of Kho Kho team names showcases the blend of tradition and modern competition formats of the sport. Despite initial confirmations, some teams such as Canada and Pakistan could not attend due to administrative issues. The format remained consistent with group stages, semi-finals, and a final match to determine the champion. Matches followed a fast-paced seven-a-side format, with turns lasting seven minutes each.

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The team structure followed international standards with 12 players active and strategic substitutions applied throughout each turn. The list of Kho Kho team members included specialists in attacking, defending, and all-round roles. Understanding the structure of player participation and on-field roles is fundamental to appreciating how professional Kho Kho is organised. Each team comprises 15 individuals, though only seven are active attackers during any given turn. Twelve defenders rotate across defensive rounds, following strict guidelines on movement, positioning, and entry into the field.

Points earned in each turn are cumulative, and the final score determines the winner. The process is time-bound and regulated, with short breaks allowed between turns. A chaser can only run in the direction in which they take their first step in, also called taking direction.

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  • The tournament is just one week long, with four groups of five teams each.
  • Each squad consists of 15 members—12 eligible to play in a match, and 3 designated as substitutes.
  • It was also a medal sport at the South Asian Games 2016 in Guwahati.
  • Recognizing the roles within this structure helps coaches plan tactics and athletes deliver their best.
  • Defenders, in contrast, can use the entire field but must avoid stepping outside the boundary, which would result in dismissal.
  • Selection is based on league performance, fitness trials, skill assessments, and recommendations from national coaches and state-level associations.

Figures such as Ramji Kashyap and Priyanka Ingle not only demonstrated superior skill and upheld leadership responsibilities at the highest level. Their presence in the unbeaten run of India highlighted the synergy between strategy, regulation, and individual excellence that defines modern competitive Kho Kho. Supporting the captain are seasoned players who understand momentum, timing, and opponent patterns.

  • Each team follows guidelines for player numbers, placement of logos, and approved colour schemes.
  • In such a dynamic environment, team synergy and a clear understanding of duties become the cornerstone of success in national and international arenas.
  • Two yellow cards accumulated in different matches of a tournament will force the player to miss the next match.
  • The two top teams of each group, along with the two best-performing third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals.
  • Here we provide information about sports played around the world such as old, childhood games and recently played bat-ball or ball games.
  • 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.

Kho Kho is one of the oldest and most popular traditional tag games played in India, second only to Kabaddi. Each team consists of 15 members, including attackers, defenders, and reserves, officially registered for tournament participation under the standard competition rules. Athletes who excel in these capacities stand out through measurable performance indicators—total points, dive efficiency, defensive duration, and tactical decision-making.

The match format ensures fair play and highlights the physical and tactical demands of the sport at a competitive level. Ramji consistently topped the attacking charts and demonstrated top-tier defensive performance, which earned him multiple player-of-the-match awards throughout the tournament. Under his guidance, the team remained unbeaten and showed a structured and confident approach in every stage—from group matches to the final. Each squad is carefully organized to include active chasers, defenders, and reserves, ensuring maximum performance on the field.

As per international, national level… In the game of Kho Kho, 12 players from each team play the match of Kho Kho. But out of these 12 players, only 9 from each team play on the field and the rest 3 are on the bench or considered substitutes. When a chaser tags a defender, the chasing team earns a point, and the tagged defender leaves the field.

Each participant kho kho team composition must perform a role that complements the overall strategy of the team. 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.