University of Mysore (UoM) will host the South Zone and all India Inter-University Men’s Kho-Kho Competition from Jan.17 to 24. While South Zone competition will be held from Jan.17 to 20, the All India event will be organised from Jan.22 to 24.

The Varsity had recently conducted South Zone Inter-University Women’s Kho-Kho Competition. To make the event more attractive, in-charge VC Prof. C. Basavaraju has instructed the authorities to prepare an estimate to conduct the semifinal and final matches under lights. Over 62 South Zone University teams will be taking part in the Competition which will be played on a knock out-cum-league basis.

Defending Champions Mangalore University, runner-up Kuvempu University from Shivamogga, University of Mysore, which stood third, and Calicut University, which managed to clinch fourth place last year have been directly seeded into quarter finals.

Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see nearly 36 matches on the inaugural day. In the All India Inter-University Competition, top four teams from four different Zones will be eyeing top position. All the 16 teams will also be eligible to take part in the Khelo India National Competition to be conducted for the first time by Ministry of Human Resource Development and Sports Authority of India.

Prof. Basavaraju said: “For the smooth conduct of the event, we have formed more than 12 Committees and preparation for the event is going on in full swing.”

Dr. P. Krishnaiah, Director (in-charge), DPE, UoM, said: “We will be coming out with six match courts and two practice courts at the Varsity’s Hockey Ground. We will be providing accommodation for all visiting teams and referees.”