After the phenomenal success of the first season, Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) has decided to make its second edition in Odisha. It will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack from December 24 to January 13.
In this regard, Tusharkanti Behera, Minister of Electronics and IT, Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha said, ‘We are very excited to organize the 2nd edition of Ultimate Kho Kho in Odisha.
This is an exciting opportunity for all of us. The youth of Odisha play and follow Kho Kho in large numbers and organizing the 2nd edition will give the people of the state an opportunity to experience this wonderful game firsthand and inspire them to play and follow the game. Promoted by Amit Burman in partnership with Kho Kho Federation of India, UKK is dedicated to reviving and promoting this indigenous sport in a more inclusive format.
Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and League Commissioner Tenzing Niyogi said, ‘We are grateful to Odisha Government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for their support for Season-2. The phenomenal success of the inaugural edition attracted a large number of brands and helped us acquire new partners. Season 2 aims is to build future new-age superstars.’
Recently, a private equity investment firm Finnest (a BNP Group company) invested in Ultimate Kho Kho to enhance the story of indigenous development. Biswanath Patnaik, Founder and Chairman, BNP Group said, ‘We are excited to be a part of this movement that is reshaping domestic sports and empowering the country’s ambitious youth to shine. UKK is a special part of our enhanced sports investment profile. Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 will feature 145 of India’s top players, including 33 young talents aged 16 to 18 years. Defending champions Odisha Juggernauts, Chennai Quick Guns, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Khiladis, Rajasthan Warriors, Telugu Warriors and 6 franchise teams will fight for the title.
UKK Season 2 will also be broadcast live on television. Notably, in the first edition held in Pune last year, Odisha Juggernauts won by beating Telugu Warriors 46-45.