“Nee Sadhichita da!” – You have succeeded, boy!
These were the words etched in V Subramani’s mind as he stood on the mat, clutching the Kho Kho World Cup trophy on January 19, 2025. A boy from Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu — born into a family where hard work was a way of life — had now etched his name in Indian sports history.
This wasn’t just a victory on the mat; it was the culmination of countless sacrifices, relentless determination, and a vision that never wavered.
The beginning of a Kho Kho journey
Subramani first stepped onto a Kho Kho field in the sixth grade, and it was here that his love for the sport took root. Raised in a humble home, with his father toiling as a lorry driver and his mother as a daily wage worker, life was tough. But through it all, his parents instilled in him the belief that with hard work and determination, dreams could soar beyond circumstances.
Initially considering volleyball, Subramani was steered towards Kho Kho by his elder brother, who was already a player. “I actually told my brother I should join volleyball, but he insisted I try Kho Kho and joined the team as well,” he recalls. This decision, though unexpected at the time, set the foundation for his future in the sport.
“Subramani was really good in athletics and that quality is important in Kho Kho as well. So I pushed him to start playing Kho Kho and safe to say, I made a good decision,” shares Saravanan, Subramani’s elder brother.
He studied at Thiyagi N.G. Ramaswamy Memorial Higher Secondary School in Tamil Nadu, where he took his first steps towards competitive Kho Kho. The turning point came when he was selected to play for his school team.
His journey, however, was not without its challenges. Despite an early breakthrough, he faced a four-year setback between ninth and twelfth grade, when circumstances kept him away from the game. But Subramani wasn’t one to be defeated. When he enrolled at PSG Arts and Science College in Coimbatore to study Tamil Literature, he reignited his love for Kho Kho, proving that nothing—no gap or setback—could extinguish his passion.
One of India’s most promising Kho Kho players
College provided Subramani with the perfect platform to showcase his skills. His performance in the Tamil Nadu Kho Kho Premier League in 2019 was a defining moment. “It’s similar to an IPL auction but without the money,” he explains. He was picked by Krishnagiri Hunting Eagles and went on to win the Best Attacker award. The recognition cemented his position as one of Tamil Nadu’s top Kho Kho talents.
His talent did not go unnoticed. He represented Tamil Nadu in multiple Senior National tournaments and the South Zone University championships. His big break came in 2021 when he played in the Senior South Zone Men’s Nationals in Andhra Pradesh, followed by the 54th Senior Nationals in the same year. His outstanding performance earned him a place in the Delhi national coaching camp, a prestigious opportunity for any aspiring Kho Kho player.
His journey then took him to Pune, where a national coaching camp was held for the selection of the Indian team. “Around the same time, the Ultimate Kho Kho League was introduced in India. I was among the players auctioned for the league, where I played for Telugu Yoddhas in the first season, finishing as a runner-up,” shares Subramani. In the second season, he joined Gujarat Giants and emerged as a champion.
By now, Subramani had firmly established himself as one of India’s most promising Kho Kho players. “To date, I have played three senior nationals and represented my university three times in the South Zone University games.”
The road to the World Cup
The biggest moment of his career arrived when he was invited to the World Cup logo launch match in Delhi. “I was chosen as the best player from Tamil Nadu,” Subramani says, a recognition that reaffirmed his hard work and dedication. From there, he was invited to the India camp, where 60 players competed for a spot on the national team.
“The camp happened from 9th December to 10th January 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. On 9th January, the final team list was announced, and that’s when I knew I had made it.”
The selection process was intense. Players were constantly evaluated, with some being sent home mid-way as part of the filtration process. But Subramani held his ground. “I had a little expectation because I had performed well in the camp. I knew if I stayed till the end, my chances were high.”
When the selection was confirmed, emotions overwhelmed him. “When I knew that I was going to represent Team India in the World Cup – it was a surreal realisation,” recalls Subramani.
Battling the odds
Subramani’s journey was not an easy one. Despite his evident talent, he never got the opportunity to play junior or sub-junior level matches. He also missed out on the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games. “I had the chance to play those matches, but certain scenarios hindered my participation.”
These matches are important as they give a sense of difficulty and discipline involved in the competition. It also familiarises the sport and helps in showcasing one’s game techniques. “Coming to this level was extremely difficult, and I have had my share of hardships,” says Subramani which is common to most sports.
But support came from key figures in his life. Tamil Nadu state Kho Kho association secretary Nelson Samuel played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding him. “He doesn’t care about what others say. He trusts us and knows our potential.”
“Subramani is a talented and dedicated player,” shares Nelson, who is also guiding other players to think beyond just playing the sport. “Subramani does not talk much, but his skills definitely speak for himself,” he adds.
His school’s sports club, TNGR Sports Club, and his college, KG College of Arts and Science especially his principal, Rathinamala, also supported him every step of the way.
Even at the national level, his coaches encouraged him to play fearlessly. “When we played against Sri Lanka, my coach told me, ‘Subramani, play how you like it. Don’t hold back.’ That gave me confidence,” shares Subramani who won the best attacker award for that game.
The champion’s mindset
Subramani’s mindset on the field is clear – play for the team’s victory. “Once I enter the mat, I believe we can handle anything. I don’t take too much pressure; I focus on executing what I have trained for.”
He also acknowledges the sacrifices and support of his family. Initially, his parents were sceptical about his dedication to Kho Kho, but their perception changed as he began achieving success. “Now, if my dad finds me resting, he asks me why I am not practising!” laughs Subramani.
However, the biggest supporter of his journey was his late grandmother, Sundari. “She always told me, ‘You play, I am here to support you.’ She believed in me before anyone else did,” Subramani shares, highlighting the importance of affirmation and belief.
A future dedicated to Kho Kho
Winning the Kho Kho World Cup was a dream come true, but for Subramani, this is just the beginning. “Not many people take Kho Kho seriously, so a World Cup for the sport itself is a huge milestone,” he adds.
“Kho Kho as a sport has been in Tamil Nadu since 1974. But only post the World Cup, we get the long-due recognition that it deserves,” shares Nelson, highlighting the ground reality.
With a clear sense of direction, Subramani envisions a future where he continues to play Kho Kho well into his 30s. His goal is to stay on the field until he’s 35, while also securing a central government job that will offer him both security and the flexibility to keep his passion for the sport alive.
“I have no regrets about choosing Kho Kho over other sports. Many said there was no scope, but I believe I have proved them wrong,” he adds.
His dedication is evident in his rigorous training schedule. He practises daily – morning, afternoon, and evening, two hours each. Even on Sundays, he trains at his old school. “Nobody will tell us; we have to work hard and do it ourselves,” he affirms.
The words of appreciation from his coaches and mentors, particularly his PT sir, serve as a powerful reminder of how far he’s come. “After my win, he sent me a heartfelt message that reflected both my struggles and successes. That message is something I hold close to my heart.”
From a young boy playing in Tamil Nadu to becoming India’s best Kho Kho attacker, his journey is an inspiration. He is living proof that hard work and self-belief can overcome any obstacle.
And as he continues his journey in the sport, one thing is certain – Subramani will keep playing Kho Kho till the very end, with the same passion and fire that brought him this far.
Edited by Leila Badyari Castelino, All images courtesy V Subramani
