Many World Cups of sports have been organized in India till now. Now Kho Kho World Cup has started in India. You too must have played Kho Kho at some point in your childhood. This game has now made its mark at the global level. Kho Kho World is being played in New Delhi from 13th January. Its history is not of a few years or decades, rather it is said that this game came into existence during the Mahabharata period. Let us tell you about its history in detail.

The history of Kho Kho is related to Mahabharata.

Kho Kho is originally an Indian game and its history is centuries old. It may be flourishing now in the world of other sports but its roots are very deep. In India it has been seen as a rural game but now it is getting recognized in the world. It is believed that this game started during the Mahabharata period.

Kauravas and Pandavas started Kho-Kho?

It is noteworthy that the Mahabharata war lasted for 18 days in Haryana aka Kurukshetra. On its 13th day, Kaurava commander Dronacharya created 'Chakravyuh'. This was a military encirclement. Under this, Abhimanyu fought a single battle with single warriors. Although he was martyred while fighting. The strategy he adopted is used in the game of Kho Kho today. Therefore, the game of Kho Kho is also said to be associated with the Kauravas and Pandavas.

Kho Kho was also played on chariots

Experts also believe that the history of Kho Kho is linked to the state of Maharashtra. As time progressed, in ancient India, kings and emperors started playing this game on their chariots. Because of playing on chariots it got the name 'Rathera'. After this it started being played on the ground. Even today it is played on the ground and is becoming very popular. Kho Kho came into prominence in the world in the year 1914 during the First World War.

Displayed with Kabaddi-Malkhamb in the 1936 Berlin Olympics

After coming into use during the First World War in 1914, it was showcased in the 1936 Berlin Olympics along with Indian games like Kabaddi and Malkhamb. After this, the game was given a new identity by organizing the first All India Kho-Kho Championship in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh during 1960. Later, the first Kho Kho Asian Championship was organized in Kolkata in the year 1996.