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India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2023The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced that the first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will be held in India next year. The tournament will feature 16 men's and women's teams from 24 countries across six continents.Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, has gained significant popularity globally in recent years. It is now played in 54 countries worldwide. The KKFI aims to further promote the sport and secure its recognition as an Olympic discipline by 2032."Kho Kho has its roots in India, and this World Cup will showcase the sport's rich cultural heritage and competitive spirit," said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. "Our ultimate goal is to see Kho Kho recognized as an Olympic sport, and this World Cup is a crucial step towards that dream."The tournament will provide a platform for the world's best Kho Kho players to compete and showcase their skills. It is expected to attract a large audience and generate significant interest in the sport.The KKFI is working closely with the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) to ensure the success of the World Cup. The tournament will be held in accordance with international standards and will feature state-of-the-art facilities.The announcement of the Kho Kho World Cup has been met with enthusiasm by the Indian sporting community. It is seen as a major milestone in the development of the sport and a testament to India's growing stature in the global sporting arena.

India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games is gaining momentum, with sports administrators preparing to lobby hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Sports Authority of India has submitted a detailed report to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, outlining the measures necessary for a successful bid.The report identifies six disciplines for potential inclusion in the 2036 Olympics if India's bid is successful: yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket, and squash. These indigenous sports would not only enhance India's medal chances but also showcase the country's rich sporting heritage.However, the road ahead is not without challenges. India will need to extend support to other nations to ensure that these sports have a global presence. The proposed events will first need to be introduced as demonstration events in the 2032 Brisbane Games before receiving final approval.The MOC has also identified the need to address doping, increase accountability in national federations, and attract private investment in sports. India will face stiff competition from countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China for the hosting rights.Despite the challenges, the MOC is confident in India's ability to prepare for the bid. The inclusion of indigenous sports would not only boost India's medal tally but also promote the country's cultural identity on a global stage.