Odisha Government’s ₹15 Crore Sponsorship Elevates Indian Kho Kho

The Odisha government has announced a significant three-year sponsorship deal worth ₹15 crore for the Indian national kho kho team, aiming to enhance the sport’s prominence both nationally and internationally.

Financial Commitment and Duration

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that the state will invest ₹5 crore annually from January 2025 to December 2027, with funding provided through the Odisha Mining Corporation.

Strategic Objectives

This sponsorship is designed to bolster team development, improve training infrastructure, and support participation in national and international competitions. It reflects Odisha’s ongoing dedication to sports development, following its successful partnership with Indian hockey.

Leadership Perspectives

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the cultural significance of supporting indigenous sports like kho kho, stating, “By supporting our indigenous sports, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage but also creating new opportunities for our athletes.” He expressed confidence that this initiative would lead to a renaissance for kho kho, similar to the transformation seen in Indian hockey.

Federation’s Response

Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), welcomed the sponsorship, especially as India prepares to host the sport’s first-ever World Cup from January 13-19 in New Delhi. He remarked, “Odisha’s commitment to Kho Kho represents a turning point for this traditional sport. This sponsorship will significantly enhance our ability to develop world-class athletes and promote Kho Kho on the global stage.”

Implications for Odisha

Beyond sports development, this partnership offers valuable branding opportunities for Odisha at both national and international sporting events, reinforcing the state’s image as a catalyst for sporting excellence.

Summary  of the news

Key Points	Details
Why in News	Odisha government announced a ₹15 crore, three-year sponsorship for the Indian kho kho team. Funds will be provided by the Odisha Mining Corporation, and the deal covers January 2025 to December 2027. This coincides with the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in January 2025 in New Delhi.
Funding Entity	Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC)
Sponsorship Duration	3 years (January 2025 – December 2027)
Funding Amount	₹15 crore (₹5 crore annually)
Key Event	First-ever Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, January 13-19, 2025
State – Odisha	CM:Mohan Charan Majhi; Capital: Bhubaneswar
Sport Supported	Kho Kho
Associated Federation	Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI)