This week, the Sanguem town witnessed breathtaking and exciting version of modified Kho-Kho - the 2nd Modern Kho Kho National Tournament held at Government sports complex, Sanguem. Team Goa staged an impressive performance and proved that the state had some good kho-kho talent. Dhiraj Harmalkar spoke to SAG coach Caitan Clemento and Goa team captain Divino Miranda to get an insight into the team's success.
How did you feel leading Goa to victory as captain Divino?
Divino Miranda: As a team we felt great and on a personal count it was very satisfying.Credit goes to our coach and team members who showed good teamwork and exhibited their best game during the tournament.
Which teams do you feel were tough competitiors during the championship?
DM: Team Karnataka who were in finals along with Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra were tough enough. But I feel we reserved our best for the final when we beat Karnataka 2-0.
What factors worked in Goa's favour on their way to emerging victorious?
DM: Rigorous training, regular exercise, strict diet, mutual understanding,teamwork and regular practice paved the way for victory.
What challenges did the team face during the event?
DM: I think there were challenges during match days but the boys adjusted accordingly. The only difficulty we faced during the evening was the mats became slippery due to night dew. Many of our players got out during the match because of dew drops. But I must commend the organisers for having made excellent arrangements for for accomodation.
Tell us about the preparations the team underwent before the championship?
Caitan Clemento (coach): Our practices began three months before the championship commenced. The emphasis was laid on players' fitness as improving their stamina and endurance was vital, especially because Modern Kho-Kho was being played on mats and we needed to prepare accordinly.
Why more stress on fitness was given?
Coach: Modern Kho-Kho is played on sponge mats and three sets each lasting six minutes. This requires much more stamina. If players don't have enough practice and stamina then chances of losing in the second or third set increases drastically.
What physical training have you imparted to Goa team under your guidance?
Coach: To improve their physical strength and endurance, they were given training of sand running, hill running and swimming over three months. Diet is also essential part of the training and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai took the responsibility of providing diet to our players during practice period.
Are their any disputes among Modern Kho Kho association and Traditional Kho Kho association?
Coach: There is no dispute but some misunderstanding. Modern Kho Kho association is trying to promote and develop the game so that it gets national and international recognition. For example: it is like in cricket we have Twenty20 and Test match, similarly, Modern Kho Kho is like twenty twenty with few modifications to attract more people to learn the sport.
What can be done to promote and bring good days to Modern Kho-Kho?
Coach: Tournaments need to be held throughout the year so that youth partciapte and continue their practice everyday. Problem arises when there is a long gap of eight months or a year which results in lack of enthusiasm among youth which indirectly leads to dropping of endurance, stamina and skills regarding particular game.
Have you received any grants from government to promote Modern Kho-Kho?
Coach: Our association is three years old and after seeing our performance, chances are that we could get government grants. Youngsters don't come to play Kho-Kho and other indigenous games as they don't get cash prizes or recognition, fame etc which other youth playing football and cricket get. If government supports the sport, there will be more who would be diverted to kho kho.
Any suggestions at your end to promote Modern Kho-Kho?
Modern Kho Kho and other indigenous games should be included in sports curriculum at Primary, High school and College level. Organising government sponsored tournaments around Goa and encouraging students for their participation are few best things that can be done to lift this game.
