Iran Mohammad Sadegh Nouri in Sunday Kho-Kho Series Season -2 World Edition

"Kho Kho, a game of agility, is not only gaining worldwide popularity but also attracting millions of viewers thanks to Sony Sports' global coverage of the Ultimate Kho-Kho League Season 2. This is a result of the tireless efforts of KKFI President Sh. Sudhanshu Mittal, UKKL CEO Tenzing Niyogi, and Sh.M.S. Tyagi, General Secretary KKFI, who are working hard to give the action-packed game a world-class platform. In the Sunday Kho-Kho Series, Mohd Sadegh Nouri, Public Relations Officer of Iran Kho-Kho, is working hard to promote Kho Kho in Iran. He shared his views with our columnist Ms.Rameet Kour from Chicago, USA, for the World-Famous Sunday KhoKho Series."

                                                           

Q1. Tell us about yourself in nutshell ?

 

                                                     Mohammad Sadegh Nouri

Ans. "My name is Mohammad Sadegh Nouri, and I am 24 years old. Currently, I work as the public relations officer for the Kho-Kho Association of Iran. Prior to this role, I worked as a Journalist and Analyst covering sports issues. Hailing from Sistan province in Iran, which is known as the cradle of Kabaddi sport, I have a background in Professional Kabaddi. However, my focus has shifted entirely to promoting and developing the sport of Kho-Kho."

"This fascinating sport was introduced to Iran by Dr. Saeed Moghadam Baqa in February 2023, and he translated and registered its rules and regulations in his name with the Ministry of Sports of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a legend of Kabaddi sports, he helped spark interest in expanding Kho-Kho sports in Iran, blending Indian culture and customs with local sports."

Q2 "How did Dr. Saeed Moghadam Baqa contribute to introducing and promoting Kho-Kho sports in Iran?"

Ans. "Despite facing challenges in attracting sponsorship and financial support due to its recent introduction, the Iran Association team's tireless efforts have led to significant progress and reception of Kho-Kho in Iran. Iran is poised to become a leading hub in Asia at an incredible pace. To further boost growth, India, as the sport's birthplace, should provide additional support, such as increasing Iran's quota in the Indian League, to encourage athletes to switch to Kho-Kho. Currently, nearly 1000 athletes across Iran are actively engaged in this discipline, drawn by its inherent appeal."

 Q3. What are your plans to promote Kho-Kho in Iran?

Ans. The Iran Kho-Kho team has comprehensive and codified programs in place. First, we are focusing on training, having conducted training sessions in over 15 states in Iran. We also held the first official refereeing and coaching certification course in Yazd state and plan to hold additional courses in four other states. Another goal is to develop women's sports, and we aim to organize a Women's league and Super league this year. However, to host International leagues, we require the support of the International Kho-Kho community."

Q4. What factors contribute to the success of Iranian players and coaches in Kho-Kho, and how do their academic backgrounds and training methods enhance their performance?"

 Ans ."Yes, it's absolutely true that Iranian players excel in intelligence, physical strength, and endurance in various sports, including Kho-Kho. Iranian coaches are also well-versed in modern sports science, having worked in Kabaddi and other sports. In fact, many Kho-Kho coaches in Iran hold master's degrees in sports-related fields and are experienced in training athletes to peak physical fitness. Iranian sports instructors are selected for their academic expertise and teaching skills."

 Q5. "How does your association currently receive support from the Federation of Native and Local Games, and what steps are being taken to become an independent federation with greater autonomy and funding?"

Ans. "In Iran, we have a federation called the Federation of Native and Local Games, under which our Association currently operates and receives limited support. However, to achieve greater autonomy and secure more resources, we aim to become an Independent Federation. Until then, we rely on support from the private sector to obtain credits and funding."

Q6. What are your views on the Ultimate Kho-Kho league?

 

Ans. Oh yes, it's commendable that India values and showcases its Indigenous sports at the International level through quality leagues like Ultimate Kho-Kho. It's a great initiative to invest in these fields. The East Kho-Kho League is also off to a good start, and if it expands internationally, considering the sport's appeal, it can attract a global audience and players. If the league offers opportunities for international competitions, it would significantly contribute to the global development of Kho-Kho.

Q7. What are Iran's prospects for success in KhoKho at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, given the country's experience with developing Kabaddi over several decades?

Ans.

"The development of kabaddi in Iran has been a gradual process spanning several decades, with many individuals contributing to its growth. However, in the case of KhoKho, our vision is ambitious: if Kho Kho is included in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, we promise that Iran will reach the final leg of the competition."

 

Q8. Any words for Sunday Kho-Kho Series?

Ans. Excellent! Thank you for providing a platform for me to express my views to the world. The Indian Federation and Iranian Association have a strong partnership, and I appreciate the efforts of both organizations to promote Kho Kho globally.

Assisted & Guided By:

M.S Tyagi (Gen.Sec KKFI)

S.B.S Tirthi (Former Treasurer KKFI,India)

Jitendar Tyagi (T.O KKFI)

Supported by:

Anuj Khajuria (Software Engineer, U.S.A)

Coordinated and Directed By:

Voice of International Player

Pankaj Malhotra(International Kho-Kho Player, Technical Expert at UKKL)

Columnist

Ms.Rameet Kour (Featured Columnist & Language Expert, Chicago, U.S.A)