The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, held at IGI Stadium in Delhi, India, from January 13–19, 2025, features England's men’s and women’s teams, each comprising 15 skilled players. These athletes, selected through trials in November 2024, honed their skills in clubs and regional and national tournaments across the UK, ready to represent their country in this fast-paced and thrilling sport.
Asian Voice interviewed Coach Kalpen Patel, whose roots trace back to Nadiad in Gujarat, India, specifically the village of Palol. A former General Secretary of the Sattavis Gham Patidar Samaj, Kalpen shared insights into the preparation of the England team for the Kho Kho World Cup and discussed much more about their journey and aspirations.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while coaching a team in a sport that isn’t as widely recognised in England?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was introducing Kho Kho at the community club where I coached, as many people in the UK were unfamiliar with the sport. Football and basketball dominate as the most popular sports here, and their coaches often took precedence, leaving me with limited time to train the children. Despite this, the children thoroughly enjoyed playing Kho Kho, which motivated me to keep going. On a national level, the lack of awareness about Kho Kho in England poses another significant hurdle, as it results in zero funding or support from the government. We hope the upcoming World Cup will increase visibility for the sport. If the team performs well and progresses far in the tournament, it could spark much-needed recognition for Kho Kho in England.
How has the England team prepared for the Kho Kho World Cup, and what strategies are you focusing on?
So, most of these players have been selected. They've been playing the national tournament for the past eight years, and then we had a national tournament in September in 2024. From that, we did a trial and selected the players. I was one of the selectors for the players, and since then, we've been having weekly training sessions to train them and teach them advanced Kho. I'm the manager of the men's team. We have both. We brought both male and female team and the male team. I can say that all the training has been excellent. So I think I would say to the rest of the world to watch out.
How do you keep the team motivated and focused, especially as they prepare to compete on a global stage?
We are proud to be one of the youngest teams in the tournament, with both our male and female teams averaging just 17 years of age. Throughout the journey, we, as coaches, along with senior team members, continuously motivate the players and emphasise the importance of teamwork. Additionally, we have mentors traveling with us who provide support by closely monitoring the team’s morale. If a player feels low or anxious, we take them aside for a conversation to address their concerns, offering guidance and encouragement. Our message is simple: focus on your game, trust in your skills, and remember that we believe in you. Together, as a team, we aim to give our best on the pitch.
What message do you have for the fans and supporters of the England Kho Kho team as they head to the World Cup?
Our message to the fans is one of heartfelt gratitude. We deeply appreciate your support, no matter where in the world you are. Your cheers and encouragement mean everything to us. When we see fans singing and shouting for England, it energises us and inspires the players to perform even better. We hope you’ll continue to support these young talents, as your backing is a driving force behind their passion and determination on the field. Thank you for standing by us!
