Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Did the Kauravas and Pandavas start Kho-Kho? The history of this game is linked to Mahabharata

Kho Kho World Cup 2025: The Kho-kho World Cup has started in India from 13th January. Many people may believe that this game is from a few years or a few decades ago, but let us tell you that its history is linked to the Mahabharata period. This game came into existence during the Mahabharata war.

Kho Kho World Cup 2025

Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Many world cups of sports have been organized in India so far. Now the Kho-kho World Cup has started in India. You must have played Kho-kho in your childhood; this game has now made its mark at the world level. The Kho-kho World Cup is being played in New Delhi from 13 January. Its history is not of a few years or decades, but it is said that this game came into existence during the Mahabharata period. Let us tell you about its history in detail.

History of Kho-kho is linked to Mahabharata

Kho-kho is basically an Indian game, and its history is centuries old. Even though it is flourishing in other sports now, its roots are very deep. In India, it has been seen as a rural game, but now it is getting recognition in the world. It is believed that this game started during the Mahabharata period.

Did the Kauravas and Pandavas start Kho-Kho?

It is worth noting that the Mahabharata war lasted for 18 days in Haryana, AK Kurukshetra. On the 13th day, the Kauravas' commander Dronacharya created 'Chakravyuh'. It was a military circle. Under this, Abhimanyu fought alone against the warriors. However, he was martyred while fighting. The strategy he adopted is used in the game of Kho Kho in today's time. Therefore, the game of Kho Kho is also said to be associated with the Kauravas and Pandavas.

Kho Kho was also played on chariots

Experts also believe that the history of Kho Kho is associated with the state of Maharashtra. As time passed, kings and Maharajas started playing this game on their chariots in ancient India. Due to playing on chariots, it was named 'Rathera'. After this, it started being played on the ground. Even today, it is played on the ground and is becoming very popular. Kho Kho came to the world's attention mainly during the First World War of the year 1914.

Kabaddi was displayed along with Mallakhamb in the 1936 Berlin Olympics

After becoming popular during the First World War of 1914, it was displayed along with Indian sports like Kabaddi and Mallakhamb in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After this, the game was given a new identity by organizing the first All India Kho-Kho Championship in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, during 1960. Later, the first Kho-Kho Asian Championship was organized in Kolkata in the year 1996