Synopsis
Maharashtra's government recognized nine players from the Indian men's and women's Kho Kho teams for their remarkable victory in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, awarding them cash prizes and job opportunities. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar commended their achievements, and the event signifies a boost for Kho Kho in the state.Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra honored nine Kho Kho players for their World Cup victory.
- Each player received Rs. 2.25 crore; coaches received Rs. 22.5 lakh.
- Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar praised the players' achievements.
- Job opportunities were provided to enhance players' prospects.
- Maharashtra continues to be a hub for Kho Kho talent.
Mumbai, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Government of Maharashtra celebrated nine talented players from the state who represented the Indian men's and women's teams, achieving victory in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi recently.
This recognition ceremony acknowledged their remarkable contributions to India's triumph in the tournament, with most players hailing from Maharashtra. Additionally, they have been provided with job opportunities in the government sector, enhancing the future prospects for aspiring Kho Kho athletes in the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, showered accolades on the players and tweeted, "The athletes from the Indian men's and women's teams, who became world champions at the first World Kho Kho Championship in New Delhi, along with their coaches, visited me in Pune. I wholeheartedly congratulated and honored them on this occasion. Wishing all players the best in their future endeavors!"
The state government granted each player a cash reward of Rs. 2.25 crore, while each coach received Rs. 22.5 lakh as a gesture of appreciation for their outstanding accomplishments. The event was especially significant with the attendance of team leaders Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle, whose guidance was pivotal to India’s success.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), highlighted the importance of this victory in advancing the sport on a global scale.
"This landmark win has showcased India's prowess in Kho Kho internationally. These accolades will motivate future players to strive for excellence in this cherished sport, as we aim to elevate Kho Kho to the Olympic level. I am immensely thankful to the Maharashtra Government for their support in promoting Kho Kho, and these rewards are a significant step forward," he remarked.
Maharashtra has consistently been a nurturing ground for various sports, particularly Kho Kho. The state has produced numerous exceptional players, with Kho Kho being a highly favored sport. A club culture exists in Maharashtra that fosters healthy competition among players, ultimately benefiting the sport.
Moreover, Kho Kho athletes enjoy attractive job offers, providing them with a sense of stability. Every player on the national championship-winning team receives INR 7 lakh as prize money. The Shiv Chhatrapati Award, a prestigious annual sports accolade awarded by the Government of Maharashtra, further recognizes the accomplishments of athletes and sports contributors in the state.
The government’s generous recognition underscores the players’ commitment and effort while emphasizing Maharashtra's pivotal role in nurturing Kho Kho, a sport that originated in the state. This acknowledgment is anticipated to amplify the sport's popularity among youth and contribute to its ongoing development at both national and international levels.
