Badshah backs indigenous sport kho kho, Joins Mumbai league as co-owner

Bollywood rapper Badshah has joined the Ultimate Kho Kho league as co-owner. The nostalgic value of the traditional Indian sport and its elegant style is said to have impressed the singer.

Ultimate Kho Kho, India's first-ever professional Kho Kho League, was launched to popularise the indigenous sport and develop it into a professional structure. Badshah's team will line up for the inaugural edition league later this year.

He said the ground-rooted game is very close to his heart as his mother used to play kho kho during her college days. "This nostalgic and personal connection triggered me to be part of Ultimate Kho Kho," reported ANI.

He added that kho kho is an adrenaline-packed, fast-paced indoor sport with extremely agile players doing Sky-Dives in the air. "The culture of Mumbai is fast and efficient. That's what we want this team to be".

The singer further said the goal is to ensure the best environment, infrastructure, training, and nutrition for the players. "My vision is to nurture the best players out of this league".

Ultimate Kho Kho CEO, Tenzing Niyogi said having Badshah as the co-owner of the sixth franchise will boost the popularity of the game.

Film producer, developer, and sports enthusiast Punit Balan also joined the league as co-owner. Heading the Balan Group, he already owns teams in various sporting leagues like badminton, tennis, table tennis, and handball.

Niyogi added that having Punit and Badshah as co-owners will reflect in the positioning and calibre of the league. Balan said it is very important to adopt the right approach if you want to grow something. "I want to play a part in Kho-Kho's journey to success".

Ultimate Kho Kho already has big corporate names like ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, Adani Group, GMR Group, Capri Global, and KLO Sports as collaborators. The league is to be broadcasted across Sony Network in several regional languages.

Kho Kho is one of the oldest sports in the Indian subcontinent and is similar to Kabbadi. It is mentioned in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata and is commonly played by school children. Played by two teams, it is a sort of tag game. It is most popular in South Asia, South Africa, and England.

Experts say the game demands the highest degree of quick and brisk movements, a high grade of nerve reflexes, and tremendous stamina. Kho Kho tournaments have been around since 1914.