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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed the government’s commitment to promoting traditional Indian sports globally, pitching for the inclusion of kho kho in the Asian Games and the 2036 Olympics.

India has expressed its intent to host the 2036 Olympics by submitting a 'Letter of Intent' to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission.

"We did a splendid job of organising the Kho Kho World Cup and we need to make an effort that these players get a chance to play at the Asian Games," Mandaviya said, while felicitating the World Cup-winning Indian kho kho teams.

If India gets the hosting rights, kho kho is one of the six sports the ministry's Mission Olympic Cell plans to recommend for inclusion in the 2036 Olympics, along with Twenty20 cricket, kabaddi, chess and squash.

 

"The Government's endeavour is also to take kho kho to the Olympics in 2036. For this, the players and coaches need to keep performing well, the federation has to keep managing well and the Sports Ministry will carry on supporting and helping to raise the level of players' performances."

The felicitation ceremony honoured the men's and women's Indian kho kho teams, along with their respective coaches and the President of the Kho Kho Federation of India, Sudhanshu Mittal.

The Indian men’s and women’s squads secured the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup titles at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on January 19, defeating Nepal in their respective finals.

Indian women’s kho kho team coach Sumit Bhatia credited the success to a month-long training camp held in Delhi, which included players from across India.

"On December 10, we started the camp with 60 players. From them, we selected the best 15 players each for the men's and women's teams. The camp helped players from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to develop a strong chemistry," Bhatia said.

Mandaviya also emphasised the resurgence of traditional sports in India, noting that these games showcase resilience, community spirit, and uphold the nation's sporting heritage.

He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for promoting traditional sports globally, ensuring that Indian teams receive the best exposure and perform at international levels.