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Srilanka Kho-Kho player Kelum in an exclusive interview

    (Kelum Maragoda Srilankan Kho-Kho Player)

Kho-Kho is rising three-dimensionally from every niche of the world. As with every second passed new ideas of development and steps are taking place to channelise the energy of all Kho-Kho well-wishers in the right direction. Recently Kho-Kho is getting recognition in Indian Army and Paramilitary forces so that players get benefitted from it. It's all due to combining effort of Sh.Sudanshu Mittal (President KKFI), Sh. M.S. Tyagi (Gen.Sec KKFI), Sh. Rajeev Mehta (Sec.IOA) and Government of India to promote Indigenous game of India like Kho-Kho.

Sunday Kho-Kho Series is getting good response all over the globe as this shows that Kho-Kho will hit all games in coming days in popularity and fame.

Ms Neha Duggal Columnist caught up with 
Kelum Maragoda from Srilanka in a sole conversation as he cast off a gleam on Kho-Kho. He gives him vital time to our team. Thanks to Kelum for sharing his experiences, suggestions and views.

Q1.Tell me about Kho-Kho in Srilanka.

Ans. Sri Lankan Kho-Kho is still growing. Lots of efforts are still needed to develop Kho-Kho here. Awareness about the game at the top level is required so that they financially help players to join Kho-Kho and get them government jobs. This is required to motivate players for adopting Kho-Kho.

Q2. What is the method of selection of players for National and International tournaments?
Ans. First of all, players which are good in skills and other required abilities are selected for Kho-Kho Coaching Camps. Based on the performance of the player in Camps selection is done. Finally, the best 12 players take part in the National Team. 
Q3. Why you choose Kho-Kho?

Ans. It's a very energetic game in the world. It is equipped with dives, pole attack, chasing, shooting, defending. This game is a real test of stamina, agility and endurance.

Q4. What Srilanka want from KKFI , AKKF or IKKF so that Kho-Kho can be improved there?

Ans. Yes, we want an International Matches and regular Coaching programs of good standards to develop Kho-Kho knowledge and skils. Lots of work and good management is needed at an urgent basis that consists of quality and dedicated person at KKFI, AKKF and IKKF to develop Kho-Kho. In this way, Kho-Kho can be improved and reached a higher stage and future of Srilankan Kho-Kho, as well as World Kho-Kho, will be bright.

Also Read: England Kho-Kho

Q5. Any suggestions or comments to world Kho-Kho lovers?

Ans. I would like to say to all those who play and love kho kho must spread the game around the world. Athletes in their country, from the school level to the national level should be encouraged to play kho kho at the training camp level. Also, organizing tournaments through Kho-Kho Associations allow young athletes to enter the national pools while maintaining their talents at the national level. This can be done if they get money or job benefit. This is must to promote any game. Also, the coaches need to be given the necessary technology and the right training methods for the athletes. I think that in the future Kho-Kho will spread rapidly around the world and a large number of people who love kho kho will join. Lots of steps are already taken in last 3-4 years to strengthen Kho-Kho at international level but still more needed at continuous level and in a fair manner by avoiding corruption so that money will flow in the right manner to the player.


Q6. What is your favourite move of Kho-Kho?

Ans. I prefer to chase rather than defend. I can jump in the air and attack by hanging on the pole.

Q7. How officials and coaches are trained there? 
Ans. Before the Corona expansion, our training was conducted twice a day, with fitness-related activities in the mornings and sports-related activities and sports in the evenings. The system gave us very good training. Also, they constantly encouraged us with the training and advice they gave made it very easy for us to carry on the game.


Q8. What are your achievements?

Ans. I will be a participant of 12th SAG games,3rd Asian Kho-Kho championship,13th SAG games and 4th National Kho-Kho championship.

Q9. Who is your coach? How he trained players.
Ans. Starting from Left in the above picture Mr Athula Wijenayake is our Head Coach, Mr Sarath Rajapakse is the Manager, Mr Aruna Lasantha is the Assistant Coach of Srilankan team. They provide us with regular activities and advice on how to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and fitness associated with the sport. They taught us in practical and theoretical ways how to do the tricks of the game. The training was done twice a day.

Q10. Few Words for Voice of International Player?

Ans. Kho-Kho is developing to African and Europe countries now. People love this game. Now many countries are playing this game. Its the turning point of sports at world level. I also wish to all country Kho-Kho players to achieve success. I specially thanks to Pankaj Malhotra(Voice of International Player) to give me this opportunity so that the world will know about Kho-Kho in Srilanka and helps to spread Kho-Kho worldwide.

        ( Featured Columnist Ms.Neha Duggal )



  Coordinated by

Pankaj Malhotra( India )
(Voice of International Player)


Supported By: 

Anuj Khajuria ( North Carolina, U.S)

Assisted By:

Pushpavathi J.P(India)
R.Velan(India)


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