The
Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre (Odisha AM/NS KHPC), Puri
marked its second anniversary with a landmark celebration, which included the
felicitation of athletes of the centre who have excelled on national and
international stages and the induction of a new batch of promising athletes
through the Kho Kho Selection Trials 2026. This is a significant milestone in
the journey of the centre in nurturing India's future Kho Kho champions.
Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance
Centre is a collaborative initiative between ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India
(AM/NS India) and the Government of Odisha to nurture Kho Kho talent in the
country. It also coaches and develops judges for the sport. The athletes of the
Odisha AM/NS KHPC have been achieving laurels in various prestigious
international and national platforms such as Kho Kho World Cup 2025, National
Games 2025, Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Junior National Kho Kho Championship
2024-2026, Senior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-2026, Sub-Junior National
Kho Kho Championship 2025-2026. Over the span of two years of its operations,
the athletes have participated in more than 30 national, regional and state
competitions earning 48 medals in various categories. This reinforces Odisha
AM/NS KHPC role as a consistent talent incubator, where structured training and
exposure to high-level competition are translating into measurable success and
national recognition.
Mr. Ashutosh Telang, Director & Vice
President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India said, "Even in a short
span of two years, the Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre has
established itself as a beacon of structured training and talent development in
the field of Kho Kho. The achievements of our athletes at national and
international platforms reflect not only their dedication but also the strength
of the ecosystem we have built together. As we welcome the new batch of
athletes, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing discipline, excellence, and
competitive spirit, while shaping champions who will elevate India’s standing
in Kho Kho globally."
The ceremony was attended by distinguished
dignitaries including Shri Pratik Waikar, Captain of the Indian Men's Kho Kho
Team, as the Special Guest. The Guests of Honour included Shri Pradyumna
Mishra, Vice President, Kho Kho Federation of India & Secretary, Odisha Kho
Kho Association, Dr. Debabrata Dash, Head – HR (East), AM/NS India, Dr Vikas Yadvendu,
Head - CSR, AM/NS India, and Shri Sagar Samal, Project Head, Sports for All
(SFA), the implementing partner for Odisha AM/NS KHPC. Their presence
encouraged the athletes, setting the stage for the induction of athletes who
represent the next chapter in the centre’s journey.
During the induction ceremony following the
Kho Kho Selection Trials 2026, 31 athletes from the Junior and Senior
categories retained their places, while 19 new athletes — 10 boys and 9 girls —
were welcomed into the Centre. The fresh Sub-Junior intake was essential, as
the entire 2024 batch had progressed to the Junior level. Likewise, 8 new
Junior athletes joined after existing Juniors advanced to the Senior category.
These transitions highlight the Centre’s growing strength as a structured
talent pipeline, ensuring continuity while creating opportunities for emerging
athletes to rise through the ranks.
During
the felicitation ceremony, athletes who brought laurels at various national
championships were honoured for their exceptional achievements. The centre also
recognised excellence beyond competitions recognising athletes for all-round
performance, exemplary discipline, consistent academic excellence, and
remarkable contribution on the playing field. The athletes also showcased their
skills in an exhibition match, demonstrating the speed, agility, tactical
brilliance and competitive spirit that define modern Kho Kho.
As the Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High
Performance Centre enters its third year, it remains committed to its vision of
developing world-class athletes and strengthening India's position as a global
powerhouse in Kho Kho.
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