Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part K (2025)

Background: Kho-Kho is a dynamic indigenous Indian sport that demands rapid directional changes, sudden acceleration and deceleration, and precise body control. Among the coordinative abilities, balance plays a crucial role in maintaining postural stability and executing game-specific skills effectively. However, limited scientific evidence is available regarding the contribution of balance ability to performance among intercollegiate women Kho-Kho players.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between balance ability and offensive as well as defensive performance of Mysore University intercollegiate women Kho-Kho players.

Methods: Sixty (N=60) women Kho-Kho players aged 18-25 years, who participated in the Mysore University Intercollegiate Tournament (2022-2023), were selected randomly. Balance ability was assessed using the Modified Bass Test of Dynamic Balance, while Kho-Kho performance was evaluated through a standardized performance rating scale covering offensive and defensive skills. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were applied, with the level of significance set at 0.05.

Results: The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between balance ability and offensive performance (r=0.36, p<0.05), as well as defensive performance (r=0.34, p<0.05). Players with higher balance ability demonstrated superior efficiency in executing both offensive and defensive skills.

Conclusion: The study concludes that balance ability is a significant determinant of Kho-Kho performance among intercollegiate women players. Incorporating balance-oriented training strategies may enhance overall playing performance and competitive effectiveness.