Bhubaneswar, Sep 7 : Odisha government will support the excellence of Kho Kho, establish a stadium for Kho Kho and a High-Performance Centre to develop the game, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.
Patnaik felicitated the Odisha Juggernauts on Wednesday for emerging champions at the inaugural edition of the Ultimate Kho Kho League with a total cash award of Rs 2 crores to the team at a ceremony organised at Kalinga Stadium here.
“Kho Kho”, he said has been a traditional sport restricted to rural belts and interiors with limited audiences.
“ You scripted history with your victory at the Ultimate Kho Kho. This will be remembered and discussed for days to come” the Chief Minister remarked.
He further said “It will inspire the younger players to pursue it as a professional sport. Today, people are talking about Ultimate Kho Kho and Odisha Juggernauts and we feel extremely proud of our team. You are exemplary and I wish you much more success.”
On this occasion, the CEO, Ultimate Kho Kho, Tenzing Nyogi, presented the Team gold medal to the Chief Minister.
Odisha Juggernauts displayed indomitable spirit at the Ultimate Kho Kho League and remained table toppers for most part of the season.
Their tackle against Telugu Yoddhas was a nail-biting spectacle with Odisha Juggernauts defeating the opponent in the last few seconds thus clinching the maiden Champions Trophy.
President Kho Kho Federation of India Sudhanshu Mittal appreciated the kind of motivation, enthusiasm and support Odisha is providing to the game and to their team is unbelievable.