Its origins trace back to ancient times, with mentions in classical texts and early versions once played using chariots. Over time, the format evolved, reaching a modern standard in 1914 under the guidance of Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana club. This structured form introduced rules, a fixed field layout, and formal team compositions. The defenders send out three of their 12 players, or “dodgers,” out on the field how to play kho kho at a time.
Scoring System in Kho Kho Matches
- They need to ‘Kho’ or tag in a team-mate to initiate the chase on the new batch of defenders.
- The winning captain puts his hands up and points their index finger towards either the central line, signaling a chase, or the sidelines, signaling a defence.
- Defenders, on the other hand, rely on agility and quick thinking to outwit the chasers.
- Once the batch of three dodgers is tagged, the defenders send another batch of three out onto the field.
- The primary goal for the chasing team is to tag the defenders, earning points in the process.
- The chaser is allowed to run only in the direction that they are facing and in one direction through the center line where his eight teammates are positioned.
The tournament was envisioned to provide a platform for players from different countries to compete at the highest level, fostering cultural exchange and sportsmanship. A chaser can also tag a fellow inactive chaser by saying “Kho,” handing over the chase. The tagged chaser becomes active, and the one who gave the “Kho” becomes inactive, sitting in the active chaser’s position. The way to play Kho Kho is to earn points by tagging or hunting an opponent.
How to play Kho Kho?
There are, however, 12 players in each Kho Kho team, the remaining three can be brought on as substitutes. The game is played in world tournaments and is expanding its presence through affiliated member nations. These Kho Kho playing countries continue to contribute to the global expansion and visibility of the game. The spread has been helped by communities abroad preserving cultural traditions and promoting them through youth programs and official tournaments. The fast-paced format and spectator appeal have contributed to its development in international leagues.
The central lane connecting them is 24 metres long and 30 centimetres wide. Each team alternates between chasing and defending in seven-minute turns, with movement restrictions, valid tags, and strategic use of passes called Kho for direction changes. During a match, 7 attackers take the field while defenders enter in batches of 3 due to turn. How to play Kho Kho is a question often asked by those curious about this dynamic traditional game rooted in the Indian subcontinent. Known for its fast-paced action and strategic depth, Kho Kho involves two sides alternating between chasing and defending across a marked court. One of the most popular traditional sports of India is called Kho-Kho.
The three dodgers try to avoid being tagged and are allowed to run around anywhere within the field’s limits. The dodgers will try to keep as many players alive throughout the seven minute innings. A dodger is dismissed if she is tagged by the chaser, if she steps out of the boundaries of the field or if she enters the field too late. At either end of the field, free zones are marked, measuring 1.5 meters wide. These zones provide space for the active chaser to change direction by touching one of the vertical poles, which stand 1.2 to 1.25 meters high.
Game Setup
In the chasing team, 8 sit in the central lane and 1 is the active chaser. Eight of the 12 chasing team members kneel in a row down the middle of the court, length-wise, alternating in which direction they face. A ninth player on the chasing team, which is referred as the chaser, stands beside one of the wooden poles that are positioned on opposite sides of the field. The chaser is the player who will pursue and attempt to tag the players on the opposing team. The chaser is allowed to run only in the direction that they are facing and in one direction through the center line where his eight teammates are positioned.
The World Cup used the seven-a-side “fast format”, a compressed version of the sport designed for broadcast. With 23 countries participating and strong IOA backing, Kho Kho now has serious international momentum. Every player’s movement and decisions are dictated by strict rules, making the game both challenging and thrilling.
How Chasing & Dodging Work?
Understanding how to play Kho-Kho begins with learning its structured flow and strict movement rules. This traditional chasing game is based on time-bound roles, where one side defends while the other side attacks. Kho Kho is a traditional Indian team sport that’s fast-paced and fun, combining elements of tag and running. With the 1.5-metre lobby on all sides, the full ground measures 30m x 19m. Two poles at opposite ends are placed 24 metres apart, connected by a central lane. Adding the 1.5-metre lobby on all sides, the total ground area required is 30m x 19m.
- Generally, Khos are given when a defender crosses over to the other end of the central lane, so tagging in a chaser facing that direction of the court is always the norm.
- Two poles at opposite ends are placed 24 metres apart, connected by a central lane.
- With the 1.5-metre lobby on all sides, the full ground measures 30m x 19m.
- Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports.
- Its appeal lies in the simplicity of setup, minimal equipment, and the excitement it generates on the field.
- The chaser team member is not to go through their sitting team members failing to it is a penalty.
The modern format adopted by the Kho Kho Federation of India follows a structured approach that includes timed turns, fixed team compositions, and clearly marked field dimensions. Each match consists of two innings, and each inning includes both attacking and defending turns of seven minutes. Teams are composed of fifteen participants, with seven attackers and twelve defenders taking the field. Players are seated in alternating directions along the central lane, forming a staggered layout that supports smooth transitions during active play. The active chaser begins from one of the free zones located behind each post.
The standard court is a rectangular field with dimensions of 27 metres in length and 16 metres in width. Within this space, a central lane measuring 30 cm in width divides the field lengthwise, with two vertical posts fixed at each end. These posts stand at a height of approximately 120 to 125 cm and help chasers shift direction under regulated conditions. Cross lanes measuring 35 to 40 cm cut across the central path at equal intervals.
Key Rules
The structure is designed to ensure fair competition and enhance player coordination during timed intervals. These formal instructions are critical not just in official tournaments and in early-stage training programmes. More than 25 countries are officially active in Kho Kho, including regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas with structured federations and national teams. The objective is not only to tag the opponents but to do so while respecting the layout of the court and the structure of the game.
Perpendicular to the central lane are eight cross lanes, each 35 centimeters wide, dividing the field into smaller sections. The precise layout of the field ensures that the game demands not only speed but also positional awareness and strategy. The game starts with a coin toss, where the winning team decides whether to begin as the chasers or defenders. The chasing team positions eight players crouched in designated rectangles on the field, while the ninth player, called the active chaser, begins the chase from a free zone.
Kho Kho play today combines speed, agility, and strategy, where attackers chase defenders within a marked rectangular field using specific movement patterns and timing. The game encourages discipline and fitness while staying rooted in tradition. The game requires quick reflexes, coordinated teamwork, and an understanding of specific rules to succeed. Learning how to play Kho Kho game includes mastering movements like giving a kho, switching direction legally, and avoiding fouls. This guide provides clear and accurate steps to help anyone grasp the structure and flow of play with confidence. Points are awarded for every defender tagged, and the team with the highest points at the end of the innings wins.
Kho-Kho: The traditional game of run and chase
No one knows the origins of this sports but it is believed to be a modified form of “Run-Chase”, a simpler form that involves chasing and touching a person. The game was played on “raths” or chariots in ancient times in Maharashtra and was called “Rathera”. This game fosters many desirable traits such as sportsmanship, teamwork, loyalty, competitiveness, and self-esteem as well as speed, agility, strategy and quick thinking.
Thanks to formal federations and structured rulebooks, the game has made its way to various continents. The inaugural world event took place in early 2025, featuring competitive matches with organized squads from multiple nations. Changing roles from attackers to defenders (and vice versa) happens after every inning. Behind each pole is a 1.5-metre-long free zone that attackers use to turn direction.
Runners enter from a designated zone on the edge of the field and must keep within boundaries to avoid being ruled out. Kho Kho rules define the structure and conduct of a competitive team-based activity rooted in Indian tradition. This fast-paced chase format requires precision, awareness, and physical discipline from both sides. The field layout, player movement, scoring system, and officiating all follow a strict framework to ensure fair play. Kho-Kho rules outline the responsibilities of match officials and procedures for scoring and substitutions.