New Delhi/Odisha: The long-standing dispute over the official status of kho-kho administration in India has finally being settled after the Government of India officially recognised the Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI) as the country’s authorised national governing body for the sport khokho game. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the year 2026, has delivered a major setback to several unauthorized groups claiming legitimacy in the sport.
As per Mr.Pradyumna Mishra Odisha Khokho Association, General Secretary of the Odisha Kho-Kho Association, & Vice president KKFI has expressed that (KKFI) is being a recognised and registered sports federation under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Since from the 1965 onwards. However, certain unauthorized individuals and organisations had allegedly been spreading misinformation by claiming that the original federation was not official. He stated that the latest decision by the Central Government is a “strong slap” to such misleading campaigns and anti-sport activities that were harming genuine players and the sport itself.
Official Recognition by Central Government
As per the official communication issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the annual recognition of the Kho-Kho Federation of India for the year 2026 has being renewed after approval by the competent authority. The ministry’s decision confirms that only the KKFI and its affiliated state associations of different states are authorised to conduct official kho-kho activities within the country.
Recognition Valid Till 31 December 2026
The ministry has clarified that the recognition granted to KKFI will remain annually valid till 31 December 2026. The recognition process is renewed annually, and KKFI has successfully secured recognition again this year. The letter also states that the recognition will remain subject to the final outcome of matters currently pending before the courts. Despite this condition, the federation’s official status remains fully intact.
Big Blow to Unauthorized Associations
Over the past few years, several unauthorized kho-kho groups had become active in Odisha and other parts of India. These organisations were allegedly portraying themselves as official bodies and creating confusion among players, coaches, Technical Officials and sports administrators regarding the legitimacy of KKFI and its affiliated associations. With the Central Government’s latest order, such organisations have now received a major setback. Several players, coaches, Technical Officials and office-bearers from the kho-kho fraternity have welcomed the move.
Relief for Players and Sports Community
Copies of the official recognition letter have also been forwarded to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Railway Board, and other concerned departments. This is expected to remove confusion regarding official tournaments, player benefits, government recognition, sports quotas, employment opportunities, and participation in national-level events. Players associated with recognised organisations are now expected to receive a more secure and transparent sporting environment throughout the country.
Mr. Pradyumna Mishra Secretary (OKKA) has appealed to district associations, players, coaches, Technical Officials and organisers to work only through authorised bodies affiliated with KKFI. Also warned that strict action would be taken against player’s coaches, Technical officials and office-bearers working with unauthorized organisations in the future.
Transparency in Kho-Kho Game
The Historic decision is being viewed as the beginning of a new era of transparency, discipline, and organisational stability in Indian kho-kho game. The move is expected to protect genuine players and strengthen the credibility of official national and international competitions in the present and future. Expressing satisfaction over the development, KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal ji, General Secretary Upkar Singh ji, stated that the Central Government’s recognition has brought much-needed stability and clarity to the sportKhoKho game.
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