Kho Kho Federation leadership 2025: Sudhanshu Mittal re-elected as KKFI President while Upkar Singh Virk takes charge as General Secretary. Learn about the global expansion plans and transparent governance in Indian sports administration.
📰 New Leadership in the Kho Kho Federation of India
Fresh Leadership Takes Charge
On 2 July 2025, at the KKFI headquarters in New Delhi, Sudhanshu Mittal, a prominent BJP leader, was unanimously re-elected President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). The election, overseen by retired judge Kamini Lau as the Returning Officer, also saw the appointment of Upkar Singh Virk, formerly Joint Secretary, as the new General Secretary
Key Office-bearers Appointed
The newly constituted governing body appointed Govind Sharma of the Maharashtra Kho Kho Association as Treasurer. Equally significant, the roster of Vice-Presidents, Joint Secretaries, Executive Members, and athlete representatives has been carefully expanded to cover all regional associations, reflecting the federation’s inclusive vision
A Blend of Continuity & Renewal
With Mittal’s re-election, KKFI emphasizes leadership continuity while embracing renewal through Virk’s promotion. Virk reiterated a commitment to structured growth, transparency, and promoting Kho Kho as a modern and global sport intertwined with Indian culture
Mandate for Global Growth
Mittal’s renewed mandate comes amid ambitious plans: he affirmed efforts to expand Kho Kho internationally—targeting 90 participating countries, inclusion in the 2030 Asian Games, and laying groundwork for 2032 Olympic inclusion
Comprehensive Governing Body
The governance team includes eight Vice-Presidents (representing states from Rajasthan to Assam), four Joint Secretaries from Tamil Nadu to Goa, 13 Executive Members spanning across India’s regional bodies, and two noted Athletes’ Commission reps — Ashwini Bipin Patil and Monika
Why This News Matters
Significance for Govt Exam Aspirants
- Current Affairs Topic: Leadership elections in sports federations are popular in exams like UPSC, PSC, SSC, and state-level tests.
- Governance & Transparency: The structured and transparent election, free from controversy, becomes an example of good governance.
- International Sports Policy: Sudhanshu Mittal’s reiteration on Olympic inclusion underlines governmental and sporting alignment—an emerging topic for questions on sports policy and diplomacy.
- Career Relevance: Aspirants aiming for sports-related civil services or administrative roles can reference this shift in leadership as a case study in institutional growth, policy planning, and stakeholder management.
Historical Context
🏛️ Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI): Origins & Evolution
- Established in 1955 as Akhil Bharatiya Kho Kho Mandal, the KKFI reorganized itself under the current name, affiliating with the International Kho Kho Federation in 2018
- Kho Kho, historically rooted in traditional rural game styles, has undergone modernisation through sports‑science integration—upgrading from clay courts to synthetic mats since 2024
Milestones & Global Expansion
- The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi marked a turning point: 23 countries, 20 men’s teams, and 19 women’s teams participated. India clinched gold in both categories. Captains Pratik Waikar (men) and Priyanka Ingle (women) were named Best Players
- KKFI now aims to get Kho Kho included in the 2030 Asian Games and 2032 Olympics, signifying sports diplomacy ambition
Key Takeaways from “New Leadership in the Kho Kho Federation of India”
| S. No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Sudhanshu Mittal re-elected as President of KKFI on 2 July 2025 |
| 2. | Upkar Singh Virk appointed as General Secretary; previously served as Joint Secretary |
| 3. | Govind Sharma elected Treasurer; governing body also includes 8 Vice‑Presidents, 4 Joint Secretaries, 13 Executive Members, and 2 athlete reps |
| 4. | Leadership focuses on globalisation, seeking Kho Kho’s inclusion in 2030 Asian Games and eventually the 2032 Olympics |
| 5. | Election overseen by retired judge Kamini Lau, reflecting transparent governance practices |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the current President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI)?
Ans: Sudhanshu Mittal was re-elected as President on 2 July 2025.
Q2. What is the significance of Upkar Singh Virk’s appointment?
Ans: He was elevated from Joint Secretary to General Secretary, highlighting leadership renewal.
Q3. When was KKFI established and what is its role?
Ans: KKFI was established in 1955 and oversees the promotion, development, and regulation of Kho Kho in India.
Q4. What are the global ambitions of KKFI?
Ans: KKFI aims for Kho Kho’s inclusion in the 2030 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympics.
Q5. What is the historical importance of Kho Kho as a sport in India?
Ans: Kho Kho is a traditional Indian tag sport that has been modernized and internationally recognized, especially after the 2025 Kho Kho World Cup.
Q6. Why is the KKFI election process noteworthy for government exam aspirants?
Ans: It showcases democratic sports governance and institutional transparency, which are important concepts in exams like UPSC, SSC, and state-level PCS exams.
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