The Official Rulebook: Kho Kho Rules and Regulations

Do you know the most widely played children’s game in India was once the most effective remedy to the deadliest war formation? It may sound astonishing, but according to various experts, traces of kho kho rules and regulations can be found in the Mahabharata war. According to them, it was the strategy used by Abhimanyu to break into the Chakravyuha. At that time, it was Rathera that led to the victory of the Pandavas, and today, it is widely known as Kho Kho, an effective gameplay for burning calories. In this blog, we will discuss the 15 rules of Kho Kho that you have to follow while playing the game. 

Brief Introduction Of Kho Kho 

Kho Kho is a game similar to “tag” that involves chasing and tagging opponents to score points. The Kho Kho rules and regulations ensure that the game fair and full of fun. It consists of two innings with two turns lasting nine minutes. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner. Additional innings are played in case of a tie. To excel in Kho Kho, agility, speed, and quick decision-making are required. The game was first played at the international level in Vijayawada at the start of the 20th century. 

Kho Kho Rules And Regulations

Given below are essential 15 Kho Kho rules and regulations:

1. Let’s begin by knowing the rules regarding the playing field. It is rectangular in shape, measuring 27m x 16m. Two 27-metre lines are called sidelines, while the two 16-metre lines are the end lines.
2. The first rule states that each team needs to have 12 members each. 
3. The second rule governs the duration of the game. The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 9 minutes.
4. Moving on to our third Kho Kho rules and regulations, on the field, three runners face a chasing team of eight players who kneel on marked squares. 
5. The chaser needs to stand near a pole to start the game.
6. Kho Kho rules and regulations point out that the chaser must touch the runners while they try to avoid being tagged. 
7. Once all three runners are touched, three new runners from the entry zone enter the field, and the game continues.
8. The team members chasing take positions on the cross-lane while three runners run within a field range determined by two poles. 
9. The runners can change direction while running and run over the cross-lane.
10.  Ninth, Kho kho rules and regulations state that the chaser is not allowed to cross the centerline or change direction while pursuing runners.
11. They must touch a designated pole and turn back before continuing.
12.  A point is awarded every time the chaser touches a runner.
13. The chaser can pass on their turn to any other sitting player by tapping them from behind and saying, “Kho”.
14. There are several ways to incur Kho Kho fouls while playing, such as not saying Kho before touching someone or changing direction while chasing.
15. In case of a tie, an additional turn is played where the winner is the team that touches one runner on the opposite team in the least amount of time.

Different Aspects Of Kho Kho

Above, we have mentioned 15 Kho Kho rules; let’s now discuss the details about the players and teams according to Kho Kho rules and regulations:

Player

Having a balanced team with defenders and substitutes is crucial. A team usually has 8-12 players, but larger tournaments may require more substitutes. In order to win the game, players not only have to use their individual skill sets but need to utilise their team’s skills while maintaining quality. It is also important that you have enough substitutes.

Skills 

It is a game that requires not only quick reflexes but also sharp intellect. Kho Kho rules and regulations are designed in such a way that they challenge your intellect and agility, because of which we mentioned it in our list of best India games. In Kho Kho, two participate, and the team with the highest score wins. 

Defence 

As per Kho kho rules and regulations, there are two types of players: Defenders and Chasers. Defenders need quick reflexes and instincts to avoid substitutions and win points easily. They should forecast opponents and change direction regularly to keep the play active. 

Chasers 

Another type of player is a Chaser. Chasers need to predict movements and block opponents to earn points. Both players should understand their roles to avoid compromising the point structure.

Play by the Book: Kho Kho Rules 

Kho Kho is a traditional game of India that has gained popularity not only in India but across Indian borders. It is a sport that emphasises teamwork and quick reflexes. We have come to the end of our blog on Kho Kho rules and regulations; we hope you might have liked this. For more such educational and engaging blogs, stay tuned to us. Also, follow us on social media platforms to get notifications about our latest blogs. 

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