The origin of Kho-Kho is not easy to mark out, but many historians believe that it is a modified form of ‘Run and Chase’, which in its simplest form involves chasing and touching a person. The popularity and development of this game has been associated with the development of ‘Akharas’ and ‘Vyayamshalas’ in Maharashtra. Probably, the game Kho-Kho has originated from Pune, Maharashtra and slowly spread within the country and also gained popularity in the neighbouring countries, i.e., Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The rules of this game were framed in 1914 by a committee of veteran players. Initially two players were made to stand at the two ends instead of the posts. The game is controlled and governed by the rules formed by KhoKho Federation of India which was established in 1956. It is believed that the first championship of Kho-Kho was held in 1959 at Vijaywada. ‘Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal’ Amravati, has given the modern form to this game. Kho-Kho game was first introduced in the National Games in 1985, held in Delhi. First Asian Kho-Kho championship was held in 1996 in Calcutta, where Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India participated. It was also introduced as a demonstration game in the Berlin Olympics in 1936.
