KKFI general secretary MS Tyagi, who has worked closely at the grassroots level, has expressed his excitement over India’s preparations to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in January of next year and said that the international competition would be crucial in increasing the sport’s popularity.

“Any federation can’t ignore the World Cup. The competition will significantly increase the sport’s national appeal. The younger generation will be enthused and driven. Given that the World Cup is taking place in India, I have no doubt that Kho Kho will become more well-known,” Tyagi said.

Tyagi has participated in eight nationals and has been involved in the sport since 1964. In addition, he excelled in the NIS course and was hired by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports as a coach.

In partnership with the University of California, he finished his training technique course (Fitness), GTMT, and sports management course. He now utilizes these abilities and knowledge to mentor Kho Kho’s future stars.

“I was first sent to Patiala before moving to Delhi. I was instructed to enroll in a fitness training course in the meantime. I then went on to teach the coaches of other sports around the nation.

The former player has made significant contributions for Kabbadi and Kho Kho throughout his illustrious coaching career. “In 1985, I served as the coach of India’s Kabaddi squad for the first international competition. Prior to it, I coached the Kho Kho squad for the demonstration in 1982. In other words, I participated in both Kabaddi and Kho Kho international competitions from 1982 to 1985,” he said.

“Until 1990, I served as the national coach. Then, in 1990, NIS hired me as a project officer. I was responsible for overseeing the preparations of every Indian squad. From 1990 till 2013, I was carrying out the responsibility. Vijay Goel, the Sports Minister at the time, named me as the director and tasked me with overseeing the Rural Development Games when I retired in 2013. I spent a year and a half there.

Tyagi joined the KKFI in 2017 and expresses gratitude to President Sudhanshu Mittal for his efforts to promote the sport in the nation.

“I joined the Kho Kho Federation in 2017 and was appointed secretary. The fact that Sudhanshu Mittal has served as our president makes me happy and feel privileged. Under Sudhanshu sir’s leadership, the sport has tripled in size. He deserves a great deal of recognition for the kind of job he is doing for Kho Kho. The World Cup, which is taking place in India, is the clearest illustration of this. We appreciate the efforts he has been making to the sport’s promotion,” he said.

In any sport, the franchise-based concept has been gaining a lot of interest. One such competition that has garnered attention is UKKL, which Tyagi claims has been beneficial in giving the players financial assistance. “The UKKL has played an important role in bringing up more talent and it has been very helpful financially.”

The general secretary of the KKFI also praised the organization’s Sports Science Program. “The Sports Science Program at KKFI is an excellent way to comprehend a player’s body, game, and technique. It provides you with specific information about the athlete and the areas that need improvement,” he said.