Kho-Kho is a traditional Indian activity that dates back to ancient Indiaand is one of the oldest outdoor games. It is played by two teams of twelve players out of fifteen, nine of whom approach the field on their knees (Chasing Team) and three more players (Defending Team) who aim to avoid being touched by members of the other team. It is one of the two most popular traditional tag games in India, with Kabaddi being the other.

The sport is popular in South Asia and has a large following in both South Africa and England. Kho-Kho aids in the development of stamina. It aids in the development of motor skills. It aids the child's social and mentaldevelopment. Children who play Kho-Kho stay healthy, strong, motivated, enthusiastic, and young. It contributes to improved coordination and flexibility.

In 1914, the first kho-kho tournaments were staged, and the first national championship was held in Vijayawada in 1959 under the auspices of the Kho-kho Federation of India (KKFI), which was founded in 1955. Since then, the KKFI has worked hard to popularise the game, which is currently played at all levels in India, from schools to the national team.

Kho-kho was a demonstration sport at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and the 1987 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Calcutta (Kolkata). The Asian Kho-kho Federation was founded at the SAF Games, and it later helped popularise kho-kho in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The game consists of two teams of 12 players each (as per the Asian Kho-Kho Federation's rules, each team must have 15 members) with only 9 players actually participating.

The game is divided into four turns, with two defensive and two chasing turns. The duration of each turn is 9 minutes.