Sports
Ultimate Kho Kho Season 3 Set to Kick Off on November 29, Featuring International Players
In a historic move, international players will now be eligible to participate in the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) players’ auction for its upcoming third season, as announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) on Friday.
KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal made this announcement during a press conference at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tercentenary (SGT) University, stating that the third season of Ultimate Kho Kho is set to begin on November 29, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for India’s professional Kho Kho league.
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During the conference, Mittal emphasized, “Kho Kho has become a representation of India’s sporting innovation and aspirations. With the commencement of Ultimate Kho Kho Season 3 on November 29, 2025, we are excited to invite international players for the first time. This decision not only enhances the competitive caliber of the league but also aligns with our vision of making India a global hub for Kho Kho.”
The forthcoming season is expected to significantly enhance the league’s competitive landscape and visibility on a global stage. Since its launch in 2022, UKK has rapidly ascended to become the third-most viewed non-cricket sports tournament in India, following only the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League. The inaugural season attracted 64 million viewers, including 41 million from India alone. The Odisha Juggernauts were crowned champions in Season 1, while the Gujarat Giants took the title in the 2023–24 season.
The press conference also highlighted the ongoing Advanced Level III A training programme, a two-week intensive initiative organized by KKFI and IKKF, aimed at enhancing the technical and scientific foundation of the sport. Over 230 participants, including more than 20 international coaches and technical officials from countries like Sri Lanka, Iran, Australia, Korea, England, and Malaysia, have joined the programme. Notably, this is the first hybrid-format training programme allowing federations to participate online, with countries such as Brazil and Peru joining in.
Currently being held at SGT University, the programme consists of two phases: coach training from June 2–11, and training for technical officials from June 12–15. The technical officials’ course has engaged over 100 Indian officials from 30 states and UTs, as well as 15 international representatives from countries including Australia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The press conference was graced by Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (IC), Sports (IC), Law & Legislative (Attached), Government of Haryana, who commended KKFI’s efforts to promote Kho Kho globally and enhance sports development in Haryana.
Other notable attendees included Prof. Dr. Hemant Verma, Vice Chancellor of SGT University, Amrit Singh Chawla, a Governing Body member of SGT University, and Jawahar Singh Yadav, President of the Haryana Kho Kho Federation. They pledged to promote Kho Kho extensively in Haryana and provide better facilities and job opportunities for players. This announcement coincided with the Advanced Level III A Training Programme for Coaches and Technical Officials currently taking place at the SGT University campus.
Furthermore, the Kho Kho Federation of India and SGT University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the educational and scientific resources for all indigenous sports, including Kho Kho.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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