Kurukshetra: Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday described Kho-Kho as not merely a sport but a reflection of the fragrance of India’s soil, saying it teaches that a lack of resources can never hinder true talent. He said the traditional Indian game requires neither expensive equipment nor large playgrounds, but demands agility, strategy, teamwork, discipline and sharp decision-making.The CM was addressing players and officials as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho-Kho Championship (Boys and Girls) at Keshav Park, Kurukshetra. He formally declared the championship open, announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the Kho-Kho Association, and interacted with the participating players. State cabinet minister Krishan Lal Panwar and Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala were also present on the occasion and congratulated the organisers for the successful conduct of the national event.Highlighting Haryana’s sports policy, CM Saini said the state has developed a clear and forward-looking vision aimed at connecting every child with sports, developing playgrounds in every village, and providing opportunities to every youth with passion and potential. To achieve this, sports competitions are organised throughout the year across the state. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he said the Prime Minister has envisioned preparing India for the 2036 Olympic Games and establishing the country as a global sporting powerhouse, with initiatives like Khelo Indiaand Fit India being a result of this thinking. Haryana, often called the nursery of sports, continues to produce athletes who bring glory to the nation at international platforms, he said.Expressing pride in Kurukshetra’s historical and cultural significance, CM Saini said this is the sacred land where Lord Krishna delivered the eternal message of duty, action and discipline to Arjuna. From this very land, traditional games like Kho-Kho are spreading values of discipline, dedication, team spirit and national unity across the country. He termed the championship not just a sporting event, but a celebration of India’s sports culture, youth power and bright future.CM Saini noted that a competition of this level was last held in Haryana in 2012, and after nearly 12–13 years, the state is once again hosting this national sports conclave. A total of 34 teams from all Indian states and other sports units are participating, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for traditional sports like Kho-Kho. The five-day championship will conclude on February 4, he said.He informed that around 1,080 boys and girls from across the country—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to the Northeast—are participating, accompanied by 210 dedicated coaches. Despite differences in language, attire and culture, he said, all participants are united by the spirit of sportsmanship, which breaks barriers and binds the nation together.On the first day, 40 matches were played. Haryana Sports Kho-Kho Association President Jawahar Singh Yadav welcomed the guests and said the opening match was played between Chandigarh and Vidarbha. Kho-Kho Federation of India General Secretary Upkar Singh Virk noted that while Kho-Kho was earlier played on soil, it is now being played on mats as well, and announced that the sport has been included in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Gujarat from March 9 to March 14. A ceremonial march-past by the players was also held during the inauguration.