Kho-kho is a traditional Indian sport which is extremely popular across the country in cities, villages, and towns. This game is not only entertaining but also requires physical ability, speed and teamwork. There are some specific rules of Kho-Kho at international and national level which are mandatory to follow to get good score in the game, else you will lose the game by a big margin.
Here we will give information about 10 such important rules which every Kho-Kho player, Kho-Kho officials and fan should know. So if you want to be a top performer, want to win the next game then must know about the Kho Kho Rules 10 Points below!
1. Playing field and number of players
The Kho-Kho ground is 27 meters long and 16 meters wide. In the middle there is a central line (parallel to the longer one) which is 30 centimeters wide. As on this central line, 8 players sit at equal distance in straight line so here 8 positions are made having width around 30 cm and the distance between one position to another is around 2.3 meters as shown in the below given image.
Apart from that, in the Kho Kho ground 2 wooden poles are installed at extreme ends which I have described as 2 round points in above images. These are used only by a chaser to change the direction as the chaser is not allowed to change direction.
Each team has 12 players, out of which 9 players are on the field at a time. This number makes the game dynamic and strategic. There is a central line in the middle of the field which is divided into two equal parts, which maintains the balance of the game.
2. Duration of Kho-Kho game and innings
Kho-Kho game total duration including the break of 5 minutes is around 23-25 minutes. The game has 2 innings of around 9 minutes. After the completion of 1 inning, 5 minutes break is taken and after than game is played for next 9 minutes.
This time limit makes the game fast and exciting, where every second is important. Players are challenged to score maximum points in this limited time.
3. Role of Chaser and Runner
Like any other games, Kho-Kho game is played between 2 teams. Hence 1 team is called chaser, while other is called Runner or vice versa.
Chaser team is what who sit in the ground and chase the players of runner team who run on the ground. From the chaser team 8 players sit in straight line in they way if one faces in north, then other faces in south and so on. This way chaser team can cover both part of court.
On the other hand the defending team or runner team, they send group of 3 players on ground who run on the field and try to defend. They can run in any direction and even go from left court to right court by crossing central line and the aim of the runner is to stay in the ground for as long as possible
4. Posts and Cross Lines
The ground has 8 posts or 8 points that marked on the central line also called the cross line. The space of these posts are equal means there is decent gap so a runner can easily cross the central line and move from one side to other side of field without any issue.
Chasers sit on these posts and can run only in their own direction. This rule gives a specific structure to the game and forces the players to make strategies. This configuration of posts and cross lines gives a unique shape to the playing field and makes it interesting.
5. Lost and Change of Direction
In the game of Kho-Kho, while chasing a runner, chaser can’t change the direction. So if a chaser would like to change the direction, then he must tag his partner by saying “Kho”. This allows chasers to run continuously without getting tired.
In addition to that, if a chaser want to change direction then he or she can do it by touching the poles which are installed at the end as we have shown in the image above. The chaser will touch and change direction to chase a runner. This rule brings a unique blend of speed and strategy to the game.
6. Ways to get a runner out
In Kho-Kho sport, a runner or player of defending team can get out in 3 ways which are 1.) by being touched, 2.) by surrounding the runner before he reaches the last post, and last 3.) when the runner accidentally or intentionally goes out of line.
These rules encourage the runners to be alert and the chasers to adopt creative strategies. Thus the game requires constant vigilance and skill.
7. Points System
For every successful touch or out, the chaser team gets one point. In case, a chaser touch runner by sky dive or polr dive, then extra points are given.
In addition to that, while defending, the runner team also can get points e.g. if a runner is not caught for the entire innings, his team gets additional points.
This points system encourages both teams to play aggressively, making the game more exciting. This system keeps the game balanced and provides equal opportunities to both sides.
8. Fouls and penalties
There are many types of fouls that can occur in Kho-Kho, such as crossing the line by the runner, running in the wrong direction by the chaser, or unnecessary physical contact. Points are awarded to the opposition team as a penalty for these fouls. This rule keeps the game disciplined and controlled, making it safe and fair. Players have to perform at their best by following these rules.
9. Substitution rules
Substitution of players is allowed in Kho-Kho, but it can be done only at the beginning of the innings or when a player is injured. This rule allows teams to adjust their strategy and give a chance to fresh players. However, this limited substitution rule requires players to stay fit and active for a longer period of time.
10. Tie-breaker rules
If the result of the match ends in a tie, an extra inning is played called the ‘Golden Inning’. The team that scores the first point in this inning is declared the winner. This rule makes the final moments of the game extremely thrilling and tests the mental toughness of the players. Every move in the golden innings can be decisive, which is also extremely exciting for the spectators.
Conclusion
Kho-Kho is a game that is deeply rooted in Indian culture, but now it is gaining recognition internationally as well. Its rules make it a unique and challenging game, which tests the physical ability of the players as well as their mental agility. This game promotes teamwork, strategy and quick decision-making ability.
These rules of Kho-Kho not only structure the game but also provide it with a platform where players can showcase their talent. Whether it is the fast run of the chaser or the clever defense technique of the runner, every moment is full of thrill in this game.
In today’s time when Kho-Kho is being played at the national and international level, knowledge of these rules is important not only for the players but also for the spectators. These rules help in understanding and enjoying the game, as well as increasing respect and interest towards this traditional sport.
By knowing these rules of Kho-Kho, we not only learn about a game but also understand a legacy that has been passed down through generations and is now making its mark on the global stage.
