New Delhi, 03 January (H.S.): When young athletes dash across kho kho courts, their speed carries not just physical prowess but the dreams, struggles, and familial aspirations pulsing through India's veins. Participants in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship—unfolding from December 31 to January 4 in Bengaluru—hailing from the nation's remotest corners, prove that scarce resources can never derail grand ambitions.

2,700-Kilometre Odyssey for National Glory: Navya's Tale

Fourteen-year-old Navya from Haripur village in Jammu and Kashmir's border-straddling R.S. Pura traversed over 2,700 kilometres to Gunjur, Bengaluru, chasing one dream: donning India's colours. Her mother Bharti Devi scrapes by on ₹5,000 monthly as a domestic aide, while father Subhash Chandra grapples with mental health woes.

Navya affirms, Mother insists I never abandon studies or kho kho. I aspire to represent India like Nazia Bi.

Father's Loss, Field's Solace: Kamal's Resolve

Fifteen-year-old Kamal from Jammu's Taali Mod debuts at nationals. Three years ago, illness claimed his father; now mother Praveen Kumari shoulders family burdens at a coffee shop. Kamal vows, I'll secure a government sports-quota job to support Mother and shun drugs.

Precarious Earnings, Unyielding Spirit: Rachna and Devraj

Jaipur's 12-year-old Rachna Singh enters junior nationals for the first time. Her father's bus-operator office job yields unstable income. Four-year kho kho veteran Rachna dreams, I aim to play for India at the next World Cup.

Rajasthan's Kekri village yields 18-year-old Devraj Mali, marginal farmer's son whose father strains to fund Ajmer training rent. Devraj pledges, Senior nationals will end my family's woes.

Mother's Toil Fuels Siblings' Dreams: Puducherry Duo

Puducherry's 16-year-old M. Stephen contests his third junior nationals. Father passed a decade ago; mother earns ₹6,000 monthly through daily wage labour. Stephen declares, Mother toils relentlessly for us. I crave international glory for India. Teammate V. Mangaiyarkarasi balances academics and sport, eyeing national renown.

Kho Kho: From Struggle to Secure Futures

Over 3,500 kho kho players nationwide have landed sports-quota jobs in Railways, banks, Income Tax, postal services, paramilitary forces, and state governments. Kho Kho Federation of India president Sudhanshu Mittal asserts, Kho kho has evolved into a modern, career-oriented sport. Players' dreams are ours; equipping them with training and support is our duty.

The 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship concludes January 4 in Bengaluru, succeeded by the 58th Senior National Championship (January 11-15, Kazipet) and 35th Sub-Junior National Championship (January 31-February 4, Kurukshetra)—where such dreams will sprint anew.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar