Providing a massive boost to a high-profile commercial kho-kho event, known as Ultimate Kho-Kho (UKK), Odisha Government has taken ownership of a team in the soon-to-be-launched professional league.

It will be the second direct sports venture for the Odisha Government, which also owned a team _ Kalinga Lancers _ in the Hockey India League in 2013. The Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company (OSDPC)-owned team will be the fifth franchise in the league.

The announcement came days after Odisha won silver medals in both boys and girls categories in kho-kho during Khelo India Youth Games 2022 in Panchkula, Haryana.

“Kho-Kho is very popular in many parts of Odisha. Since it is a traditional game, we have huge scope to develop it further in the state. Therefore, we have decided to participate in the Kho-Kho league,” said Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera.

OSDPC is collaborating with leading steel manufacturer Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Limited (AM/NS India) and will be working closely in Ultimate Kho Kho.

“They (Odisha Govt) have created an environment that has encouraged many corporate investments to create access for grassroots development and future champions. Now their association with Ultimate Kho-Kho, is a great sign for the development of the sport,” said Ultimate Kho Kho CEO, Tenzing Niyogi.

Ultimate Kho-Kho had earlier announced four franchises. Corporate giants ADANI Group and GMR Group bagged Gujarat and Telangana franchises while Capri Global and KLO Sports are the owners of Rajasthan and Chennai teams respectively.

Ultimate Kho-Kho has roped in Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as its broadcast partner with an exclusive multi-year contract. The action from the league will be broadcast on Sony sports channels across the countryand also on the OTT platform SonyLIV in English as well as other regional languages.

About Ultimate Kho Kho: The concept of Ultimate Kho-Kho (UKK) was conceived to usher in a new era for kho-kho in India, especially among urban kids and sports lovers.

The first Professional Kho-Kho League (UKK) of India is a commercial collaboration between Dabur India Ltd (Chairman Amit Burman) and Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI). The aim is to bring this homegrown sport to the forefront and develop UKK into a sought-after league in the country.