The grand second edition of Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) is set to captivate audiences from December 24, 2023, to January 13, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, following the phenomenal success of its inaugural season that reached an impressive 164 million households. Guided by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visionary mantra of sports for youth, youth for the future,’ the Odisha government has been a beacon in hosting major global sports events and constructing top-tier multi-sport infrastructure, fostering an exceptional sports culture for enthusiasts in the state.
Expressing enthusiasm for hosting UKK’s second edition, Tusharkanti Behera, Honourable Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, remarked, “Kho-Kho is not just a game here; it’s a passion. Hosting this edition in Odisha will inspire our people, encouraging them to engage in and pursue this beloved sport.”
Biswanath Patnaik, Founder and Chairman of BNP Group, emphasized their commitment to promoting indigenous sports and nurturing talent on the global stage through UKK, considering it a pivotal aspect of their sports investment initiative.
The inaugural edition’s resounding success positioned UKK as India’s third-largest non-cricket league in terms of TV viewership. Season 1 captured the attention of 164 million viewers globally, with 41 million in India, and attracted 60 million interactions and 225 million video views across platforms, setting unprecedented benchmarks.
Season 2 promises heightened excitement with India’s top 145 players, including 33 young talents aged 16 to 18, competing fiercely among six franchises: the Odisha Juggernauts, Chennai Quick Guns, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Khiladis, Rajasthan Warriors, and Telugu Yoddhas. Season 2’s live broadcast and fixture details will be announced soon, ensuring an unparalleled sporting spectacle.