I wished to arrange a brand new sports activities league. Kho Kho took place as a result of it had a bigger penetration in tier two and tier-three areas. It appeared like a novel proposition. I’ve seen it being performed in Ichalkaranji of Maharashtra, thought-about to be the fortress of Kho Kho. This is how the considered turning it right into a tv property took place. It has the mandatory stickiness to seize the eye of a specific viewers, say for quarter-hour or 20 minutes format.

Has it been a worthwhile enterprise?

I’ve not attained profitability but. It’s humanly not possible within the Indian market or the subcontinent market to develop into worthwhile within the second yr. We’ve constructed a value-based proposition for our franchisees our broadcast and all the opposite stakeholders. We’ve not achieved profitability, however we’re en path to profitability, and we’re in a a lot better house.

You have mainstreamed Kho Kho. What do you suppose it takes to mainstream such a sport?

I’ve at all times believed that Kho Kho has a really deep-rooted tradition and affection of the plenty. There is a lot expertise amongst girls and boys that you just don’t want to advertise the game. It’s already been promoted for the final 75 years. The reality is that crew sports activities additionally promote effectively in India. Look on the high 5 leagues in India, which embody Indian Premier League and Pro Kabaddi League. So what occurs is crew sport provides you a way of camaraderie. It provides you a way of possession of a specific franchise metropolis. If it’s a crew sport, it’ll have higher potential in my thoughts.

What are the long run plans for Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 which begins on December 24?

Right now, in fact, there’ll be an growth of groups. We shall be taking a look at media rights maximisation. There shall be an growth of groups. We shall be taking a look at including two extra new groups subsequent yr, possibly two extra new groups in 2025. And then, extra importantly, considered one of our plans is to launch the Kho Kho Women’s League.