The Odisha government has announced a landmark three-year sponsorship deal for the Indian national Kho Kho team, marking a significant step forward in promoting indigenous sports in the country. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that the state will invest Rs 5 crore annually from January 2025 to December 2027, with funding provided through the Odisha Mining Corporation.
The total sponsorship package of Rs 15 crore demonstrates Odisha’s continued commitment to sports development, following its successful partnership with Indian hockey.
How will sponsorship elevate Indian Kho Kho?
“This is a watershed moment for Kho Kho in India. By supporting our indigenous sports, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage but also creating new opportunities for our athletes,” said Chief Minister Majhi. “Just as we transformed Indian hockey, we envision a similar renaissance for Kho Kho, positioning Odisha as a catalyst for sporting excellence.”
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), welcomed the announcement, stating, “Odisha’s commitment to Kho Kho represents a turning point for this traditional sport. This sponsorship will significantly enhance our ability to develop world-class athletes and promote Kho Kho on the global stage.”
The sponsorship will facilitate team development, training infrastructure, and participation in national and international competitions. Officials note that this partnership will also provide valuable branding opportunities for Odisha at national and international sporting events.
🌟 Odisha Leads the Way in Promoting Indigenous Sports! 🌟
In a landmark move, the Government of Odisha has announced a ₹15 crore sponsorship for the Indian National Kho Kho team over the next three years (2025-2027). 💪✨
With ₹5 crore annually funded by the Odisha Mining… pic.twitter.com/r0gxRKP60K
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 6, 2025
The announcement comes just ahead of the Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from January 13-19. The state government is hopeful that this move will build Odisha’s image globally in sports. After hockey, this is the second sport that the Odisha government has decided to sponsor. Odisha is now the official sponsor of Indian hockey teams, both men’s and women’s, till 2036.
The men’s hockey team clinched bronze in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and the Paris Olympics 2024. The state government’s support for Kho Kho is expected to have a similar transformative impact, providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to elevate the sport to new heights.
