Kho-kho is a game involving speed and control. It is believed to have originated in Baroda (Gujarat). In 1959 the rules for this game were framed and the same year the kho-kho federation was formed in Vijawada (Andhra Pradesh).
This game is played by two teams each having 9 players. One match is played in two innings. The kho-kho field is rectangular in shape and measures 34 metres by 16 metres. There are two rectangles X and Y and within this rectangular field, each rectangle measuring 16 metres by 4.8 metres. At M and N there are two wooden poles. MN is a central lane, 24.4 metre long and 30 cm wide. There are eight small squares 30 cm by 30 cm, on the lane. The eight players of the fielding team sit on these squares and each player sits in this square with his/her face in opposite direction of the next player. The ninth player stands near the pole. The player standing near the pole is called the chaser while three players of the other team who stand in the field are called runners. They are to be played out by the players of the first team by touching them. The player standing near the pole chases and gives a ‘kho’ is spoken at the time of touching the player. Immediately this player stands and runs and tries to touch out the player of the other team. When these three players of the second team are declared out the other three players take their place in the field. They are also touched out. When all the nine players are touched out the same process is repeated again with the opponent team.
The time for one innings is 7 minutes. If all the players of the second team are touched out in less than seven minutes, this team again sends its players in the field. The first team’s score increases with every player of the second team being touched out. After the first innings is over the second team plays and scores the points. Whichever team scores maximum points is declared the winner.