What are the dimensions of a standard Kho Kho field?

Under the rules of the Kho Kho Federation of India, a standard Kho Kho playing field is a rectangle 27 metres long and 16 metres wide. In addition, there is a free zone of 1.5 m at each end beyond the posts, and a lobby around the field.

Layout of a Kho Kho field:

Two wooden posts (poles) stand at the two ends of the central lane. Each post is 1.20 m high above the ground, with a circumference of 30-40 cm.

A central lane, 23.5 m long and 30 cm wide, joins the two posts.

Eight cross lanes, each 16 m long and 35 cm wide, cross the central lane at right angles. The squares formed where they cross are where the chasers sit.

The two rectangles at the ends of the central lane, behind the posts, are called the "free zones".

How Kho Kho is played:

Each team has 12 players, of whom 9 take the field.

Eight chasers sit in the squares along the central lane, facing in alternate directions. The ninth is the active chaser.

The defenders enter the field in batches of three.

The active chaser cannot cross the central lane. To change the direction of the chase, he must touch a seated team-mate from behind and say "Kho".

A match has two innings, each with a chasing turn and a defending turn.

Kho Kho in recent years:

• The professional league "Ultimate Kho Kho" began in 2022.
• The first Kho Kho World Cup was held in New Delhi in January 2025, and India won both the men's and women's titles.

Court sizes in other sports (for comparison):

• Kabaddi (men): 13 m x 10 m including lobbies.
• Volleyball: 18 m x 9 m.
• Badminton (doubles): 13.40 m x 6.10 m.
• Basketball: 28 m x 15 m.

Why not the other options?

• ✗13 m x 10 m is the size of a men's kabaddi court with lobbies.
• ✗20 m x 10 m is not a standard size for Kho Kho.
• ✗18 m x 9 m is the size of a volleyball court.