IN NEWS: Kho Kho Player Sachin Bhargo Conferred Vikram Award 2023 by Madhya Pradesh Government
Introduction
Kho Kho player Sachin Bhargo has been awarded the prestigious Vikram Award 2023, the highest sporting honour of Madhya Pradesh, in recognition of his outstanding performance at national and international levels. The award was conferred by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav at the Shikhar Khel Alankaran Samaroh held in Bhopal.
ANALYSIS
Recognition of Indigenous Sports like Kho Kho
The conferment of the Vikram Award to a Kho Kho player signifies a policy shift towards promoting indigenous and traditional sports. Historically overshadowed by mainstream sports, Kho Kho is now gaining:
- National and international visibility
- Institutional backing and recognition
- Integration into global sporting platforms (Kho Kho World Cup 2025)
👉 Reflects India’s effort to revive traditional sports under cultural nationalism and sports diversification.
Athlete Excellence and Career Mobility
Sachin Bhargo’s achievements highlight:
- Representation of India in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025
- Employment under Sports Quota (Income Tax Department, Mumbai – 2024)
👉 Demonstrates how sports achievements are increasingly linked with:
- Government employment opportunities
- Social mobility and economic security
Institutional Role in Sports Development
The role of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has been significant:
- Leadership under Sudhanshu Mittal and Dr. M.S. Tyagi
- Promotion of:
- Competitive structures
- Recognition and awards
- Employment pathways
👉 Indicates strengthening of sports governance frameworks in non-mainstream sports.
Transformative Impact of Sports Ecosystem
- Over 3000 Kho Kho playershave secured employment across:
- Government departments
- PSUs
- Paramilitary forces
👉 Sports is emerging as a tool for livelihood generation and youth engagement.
State-Level Sports Promotion (Madhya Pradesh Model)
The Shikhar Khel Alankaran Samaroh demonstrates:
- Recognition of:
- 11 Vikram Awardees
- 11 Eklavya Awardees
- 3 Vishwamitra Awardees
- 1 Lifetime Achievement Awardee
- Felicitation of 82 medal winners(38th National Games):
- 34 Gold
- 25 Silver
- 23 Bronze
👉 Shows a comprehensive reward system for sports excellence at state level.
Significance for UPSC / MPPSC
- Highlights importance of:
- State awards and sports policy
- Promotion of indigenous games
- Possible areas of questions:
- Vikram Award details
- Role of sports in employment
- Institutional mechanisms (KKFI)
Static Part (As per Input)
- Award: Vikram Award (Highest Sporting Honour of Madhya Pradesh)
- Instituted On: 15 May 1990
- Award Components:
- Citation
- Cash Prize: ₹2 lakh
- Awardee: Sachin Bhargo
- Sport: Kho Kho
- Origin: Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
- Event: Shikhar Khel Alankaran Samaroh
- Key Stakeholders:
- Madhya Pradesh Government
- Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI)
- Other Awards Mentioned (KKFI):
- Rani Laxmi Bai Award
- Eklavya Award
- Bharat Award
- Ila Award
- Abhimanyu Award
- Janaki Award
Updated – 20 April 2026 ; 07:15 PM | News Source –Investment Guru India