A Comparative Study of Motor Fitness Components of Kho-Kho and Kabaddi Players

Abstract

Motor fitness is a vital element in competitive sports and, hence, in enhancing an athlete's aerobic power. Games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi are indigenous sports played in India that combine human abilities such as speed, agility, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Although both sports share commonalities, they differ in movement, physiological demands, and tactical play, and these differences can affect players' motor fitness characteristics in the two sports. The present study is designed to evaluate Kho-Kho and Kabaddi players on selected motor fitness parameters and to compare the two in this context. Sixty (30 Kho-Kho and 30 Kabaddi players, age 18-25 were selected for the study. Each athlete performed a series of standardized motor tests for the purpose of assessing speed, agility, endurance, flexibility and explosive power. Descriptive statistics were used, and an independent-samples t-test was performed to assess significant differences between the groups. The results indicated significant differences among sports with regard to specific motor fitness components, due to their differing physical requirements. The information presented in this study will benefit coaches, trainers, and physical educators in developing sport-specific conditioning regimens and improving elite athletes.