Australia's First Kho Kho Turf Opens New Doors

A New Chapter for Kho Kho in Australia

The introduction of a dedicated Kho Kho court at Marsden Road Public School in Sydney marks a significant milestone in the sport's journey in Australia. This is the first of its kind in the country, and it has been celebrated as a breakthrough by local leaders and enthusiasts alike. The initiative reflects the growing interest in Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport that is now finding a place on international sporting grounds.

Kho Kho, known for its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay, has deep cultural roots in India. It was once played on dusty schoolyards with simple chalk lines, where children would sprint and dodge with agility. Today, the sport is evolving, with modern facilities and structured training programs helping to nurture new talent across different regions.

One of the key figures driving this change is Raj, a former player who has played a crucial role in introducing Kho Kho to Australia. His journey began in Punjab, where he developed a passion for the sport. He represented his district and state, eventually becoming captain of his college team and earning recognition as the Best Player at the Engineer Nationals. However, academic pressures led him to step away from competitive play.

After moving to Australia in the late 1990s, Raj left Kho Kho behind, but the sport never truly faded from his life. In 2024, he was invited to represent Australia in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup held in India. This experience was both nostalgic and exciting, as he returned to the land where he first learned the game, now playing for his adopted country.

Raj also took on the role of a coach, guiding a group of beginners who had no prior knowledge of Kho Kho. Under his mentorship, one of his players was quickly selected for a professional league, proving that the sport can thrive anywhere with the right support.

As President of Kho Kho Australia, Raj is working tirelessly to build a sustainable future for the sport. A major development came in May 2025 when the first dedicated Kho Kho ground was opened at Marsden Road Public School. The facility includes a removable pole system, making it adaptable for other sports. This model is now being considered for implementation in cities like Melbourne and Canberra.

Players such as Mudra Bhatt and Michael Limanuel have expressed their excitement about the new facility. They believe that the visibility of Kho Kho in Australia will inspire more young athletes to take up the sport. With the right infrastructure and coaching, the potential for growth is immense.

Raj’s commitment to Kho Kho extends beyond playing. He has taken steps to become a certified coach, attending advanced training programs in India and earning international accreditation. His efforts have connected him with coaches from countries like Malaysia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, fostering a global network of Kho Kho enthusiasts.

Now retired from engineering, Raj is fully dedicated to expanding the sport. He is focused on developing scouting systems, certified training programs, integrating Kho Kho into school curriculums, and organizing national competitions. What began as a simple game played on schoolyards is now being reimagined on a global scale.

Kho Kho is no longer just a traditional sport; it is on an upward trajectory, building a new legacy one sprint at a time. With passionate individuals like Raj leading the way, the future of Kho Kho in Australia looks promising.