By A Correspondent
Patna: Indoor stadium of Kila Maidan, Munger. It is 5 a.m., and players have already started gathering. These athletes are potential members of the Bihar Kho-Kho team, with their sights set on winning medals at the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Bihar.
To prepare these players for success, the Kho-Kho Association of Bihar has organised a special training camp in collaboration with the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA). A total of 50 players—25 boys and 25 girls—are training rigorously, both in the morning and evening sessions, to earn a spot on the final team. The final squad will be selected from among them.
This training camp, which began on April 12, is being conducted under the guidance of the BSSA and supervised by the Kho-Kho Association of Bihar. NIS-certified coaches Vinay Jaiswal (boys’ category) and Swapna Pandey (girls’ category) are leading the training. They are being assisted at the local level by Aman Kumar (assistant coach, boys) and Harimohan (assistant coach, girls).
Neeraj Kumar Pappu, Secretary of the Kho-Kho Association of Bihar, shares insights into the daily routine at the camp. He says that the day begins with warm-up sessions at the polo ground, lasting two and a half hours, followed by skill practice for 30 to 60 minutes. In the evenings, only match practice is conducted. Two courts—one turf and one mat—have been set up for training purposes.
He adds that the focus is not only on physical training but also on the players’ nutrition. A specific diet plan has been created, which includes two eggs, milk, bread, fruits, boiled gram, and moong in the morning. Nutritious meals are provided for lunch, with a light snack and juice in the evening, followed by a wholesome dinner.
Players have also been advised to stay away from social media and limit mobile phone use during the training period. “Right now, your focus should only be on winning medals. Train hard,” they have been told.
Neeraj Kumar Pappu further says that, as per the directive of BSSA Director General Raveendran Sankaran, the local district administration is ensuring all necessary facilities are provided. Excellent arrangements have been made for the players’ accommodation. With government support, the association is committed to its role in the development of Kho-Kho. He concludes with hope: “We are confident that our players will not disappoint.”
