Kho Kho! Team England Women’s coach has Mysuru roots

1 It’s the maiden Women’s World Cup Kho Kho. How has the experience been so far?

Jyothi- It’s truly wonderful to see Kho Kho on the global stage, and I deeply appreciate all the efforts by the International Kho Kho Federation for promoting this sport worldwide. It’s a proud moment for all of us involved in the game.

2 How did your interest in Kho Kho begin?

Jyothi – My interest in Kho Kho began during my primary school days (JSS Saraswathipuram, Mysuru). Like most kids, we had PT lessons, and Kho Kho was one of the games we played. My passion for it took off in the 5th standard, and by 6th standard, I became the team captain. From there, I participated in various school-level, district-level, and state-level tournaments. I’ve played in UK national championships 4 times & I won best runner award in 2022.

3 Kho Kho is considered more of a rural sport, and the chances of injuries are said to be higher. What are your thoughts on this?

Jyothi – From my experience, every sport comes with its own physical demands and challenges. The key is understanding how to train the body properly and handle those challenges effectively. Kho Kho is a game that requires exceptional stamina, speed and agility. To minimise injuries, it’s crucial to strengthen every joint, including the toes, ankles, knees, hips, fingers, elbows and backbone. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines are essential to prepare the body and aid recovery. To build strength and endurance, players should consistently practice exercises like squats and lunges (at least 100 reps, six times a week) and incorporate 5 km HIIT runs with varying speeds. A well-conditioned body not only enhances performance but also ensures quicker recovery from injuries.

4 How has your family, especially your husband, supported your interest in sports after moving abroad?

Jyothi- I’m truly blessed in this regard. My husband has lent 100% support in pursuing my passion, even though he himself isn’t a sports person. His encouragement has been a cornerstone of my journey.

5 Your children are into various sports. How are they doing?

Jyothi- I’ve always tried to pass on my love for sports to my children, and they’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. They are actively involved in Kho Kho and table tennis. My third son, Bharath Prasanna Kumar, is playing for the England squad in this Kho Kho World Cup, which is a proud moment for us. My youngest is excelling in table tennis and has even become the England Champion in the under-10 category.

6 How is the encouragement for sports, especially Kho Kho, in England—a country known for inventing cricket?

Jyothi – Kho Kho is still in its developmental phase here in England. Kho Kho Federation England has hosted about eight National Championships in the UK and are working on introducing the sport in more schools and universities. Our goal is to inspire more people to take up Kho Kho and watch it grow as a sport here.

7 Could you share a bit about your qualifications and professional background?

Jyothi – I hold a BE in Computer Science from the Vidya Vikasa Institute of Engineering and Technology (VVIET), Mysuru. I worked as a software engineer for over a decade. Currently, I am managing our software recruitment business that operates in the UK, Europe and India.

8 Tell us about your parents and their influence on your journey.

Jyothi – I owe everything to my parents—Puttaswamy and Sundaramma, they are the foundation of who I am today. My dad always believed in me and never discouraged me, no matter the circumstances. His unwavering positivity continues to motivate me everyday.

My mom, though a homemaker, always had big dreams for me. She encouraged me to explore every opportunity, balancing academics, sports and extracurricular activities, without ever pressuring me with household chores. Her support allowed me to focus on my growth and passions.

My brother, Naveen, has also been a significant source of inspiration in my life, constantly pushing me to strive for more.

9 You are the coach of the Women’s Kho Kho team of England. How is the team performing, and what are the chances of winning this maiden World Cup?

Jyothi- Yes, I’ve been coaching the team rigorously for the past two months, and I’m proud of the dedication and effort our players have shown. I was honoured to receive the Best Coach award, which reflects the hardwork we’ve put into training.

As for the World Cup, our team was tied with Uganda and Kenya, each with 6 points. However, since the qualification depended on the point difference, we were closely tied with Kenya. I’m incredibly proud of the team’s performance and the progress we’ve made in bringing Kho Kho to the global stage. This is just the beginning, and looking forward to achieve BIG.

– Team Mysoorunews