New Delhi: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy felicitated the victorious Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams, who recently brought glory to the nation by winning the Kho Kho World Championship. The ceremony, held at Udyog Bhawan, celebrated the players’ achievements and highlighted the resurgence of India’s indigenous sports on the global stage.
Among the honorees were Gowtham from Maddur, Mandya, a key player in the men’s team, and Chaithra from T. Narsipura, Mysuru, a standout performer in the women’s team. The Union Minister also acknowledged Sumit Bhatia, the chief coach of the women’s team, and Rajkumari, the team manager, for their pivotal roles in the teams’ success.
Speaking at the event, Kumaraswamy said, “These victories are not just about winning championships; they are about the revival of India’s cultural heritage. Indigenous games like Kho Kho are thriving under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These champions have proven that traditional sports have a rightful place on the global stage.”
Kumaraswamy highlighted the dedication and resilience of the athletes, commending their remarkable performances that brought pride to the nation. “Gowtham and Chaithra have made Karnataka proud. Their contributions to the men’s and women’s teams, respectively, are a testament to the talent we nurture in our state and across the country,” he said.
The Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to grassroots sports, ensuring better infrastructure, financial support, and opportunities for athletes. “We are determined to create an ecosystem where talents like Gowtham and Chaithra can thrive. This government is focused on empowering athletes and preserving the legacy of our traditional games,” Kumaraswamy added.
He further lauded the contributions of Sumit Bhatia and Rajkumari, stating, “Behind every successful team are dedicated mentors. The guidance of Sumit Bhatia as the chief coach and the leadership of Rajkumari as the team manager have been instrumental in this historic achievement.”
The felicitation ceremony was a proud moment for the entire nation, marking a significant milestone in the recognition and promotion of indigenous sports. Kumaraswamy called on the public and sports enthusiasts to support and celebrate such achievements, reinforcing the importance of traditional games in India’s cultural and sporting identity.
The event concluded with the minister congratulating the teams once again and wishing them continued success in the future. “These champions are not just players; they are ambassadors of our heritage. Their achievements inspire countless young athletes to take pride in our traditional sports,” Kumaraswamy said.
