Bhubaneswar, Aug 4 (Representative) ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) – a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, on Thursday signed an agreement with Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company (OSDPC), a state government body, to become Principal Team Sponsor of the Odisha Juggernauts. The agreement was signed by Shingo Nakamura, Deputy Director, HR & Administration, AM/NS India; and Ranjit Parida, Odisha Joint Secretary, Department of Sports, as well as Director of OSDPC. The state’s Kho Kho franchise Odisha Juggernauts will participate in the inaugural Ultimate Kho Kho League, a national tournament that commences on August 14, 2022 in Pune, Maharashtra.India’s first-ever professional Kho Kho League has been launched with an objective to modernise and popularise the game, one of the oldest forms of outdoor sport in India.
The league aims to promote Kho Kho as an ancient sport and give its best players prospects for professional careers. The introduction of professional league also comes amid a resurgence of Kho Kho across South Asia and further afield, in countries such as England and South Africa.AM/NS India’s sponsorship of the Odisha Juggernauts is an extension of its support and commitment to advance sporting excellence in Odisha and India.In 2021, AM/NS India was the Official Partner of the Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup tournament, hosted by Odisha in Bhubaneswar.Odisha Sports and Youth Services department Secretary and OSDPC Chairman R Vineel Krishna Said ‘’We are very excited for the first edition of Ultimate Kho Kho, our Team Odisha Juggernauts and AM/NS India’s association in our endeavour.AM/NS iNDIA Deputy Director Shingo Nakamura said ‘’We are proud to partner with the Government of Odisha in its maiden venture into professional Kho Kho and are confident that this new national league will go a long way in growing interest and participation in the sport across India and the state of Odisha, especially among young people.’’