Rules & Regulations

What is Kho Kho?

Kho Kho is one of the most popular and traditional Indian tag sports, known for its speed, agility, and teamwork. It is played between two teams, with each team consisting of 12 players, of which 9 take the field at a time. The game is played in a rectangular field with chasing and defending as the main objectives.

Team Composition

• Each team has 12 players (9 active + 3 substitutes).
• Only 9 players are allowed on the field at a time.

The Field

• The field is a rectangular court measuring 29 meters × 16 meters.
• A central lane divides the court, with sitting boxes for chasers.

Chasing & Defending

• One team begins as chasers and the other as defenders (runners).
• Chasers sit in a row in the middle, alternating their direction (facing opposite sides).
• One active chaser tries to tag the defenders while others sit in position.

Kho (Giving a Turn)

• The active chaser can pass the chase to a sitting teammate by touching their back and saying "Kho".
• Only the nearest sitting chaser in the direction the runner is going can be given Kho.

Defending (Runners)

• Defenders try to avoid being touched by the active chaser.
• Runners cannot cross the central lane but can run on both halves of the court.
• The aim is to survive as long as possible without being tagged.

Innings & Time

• A match usually has two innings.
• Each inning consists of 9 minutes of chasing and 9 minutes of defending per team.

Scoring

• Each time a defender is touched/tagged, the chasing team scores 1 point.
• The team with the highest total points at the end of the match wins.

Fouls

• A chaser cannot cross the central lane or foul by moving in the wrong direction.
• Defenders must keep running and cannot step outside the boundaries.

Kho Kho is not just about speed but also about strategy, teamwork, and coordination. The game teaches discipline, builds physical fitness, and strengthens mental sharpness, making it a truly unique sport from India that is now recognized globally.