A DIFFERENT KIND OF KHO KHO

A DIFFERENT KIND OF KHO KHO

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

04/XI/2023

Most of us have played the game of Kho-Kho in our childhood. Such a simple game, no special equipment. Just two poles at each end of the row of players who sat on the bare ground. Without going into the technicalities, let me confess it was physically tough for both teams.

Dodging was an art, part, and technique of this game. You needed stamina and strength both in your legs and mind. Anticipating the other person's moves gave you better chances to win. However, deceiving your opponent of your next move, dodging him both with swift change of directions and body dodges had to be top class to catch the opponent or escape his clutches.

This morning a lone electric pole reminded me of the same game. I floated from nostalgia to the present in quick succession. There was this bird sitting on this high pole all alone, watching from a height all the activity happening on the ground, as well as in the air.

It would turn around and face the opposite side like we used to sit in Kho-Kho alternatively so that every angle and opponent was covered and kept an eye on. A quick hop by the ‘Indian Roller’ by 180 degrees was enough to keep from harm's way. It was always ready to take off as and when someone approached to say Kho to it.

A predator was circling high above, like the ‘denner’ running and chasing the other team. It swooped, swirled, and dived at small birds like sparrows, bulbuls, and swallows. With its wings spread, it glided in the sky changing directions with the twitch of its feathers at the end of its wing span, till it lost height and again flapped to soar back high up to encircle that area looking for food and prey.

While I was busy clicking, I did not notice that his Roller had been sitting on the top of this pole for quite some time. In Kho-Kho if you do not move you are bound to get out with the opponent's touch. That is what happened.

Our ‘Sparrow Hawk’ slowly descended from her vantage point in the sky and approached the Roller from behind, silently, and cautiously like a pro Kho-Kho player. It was like one player puts everything to leap and touch his opponent. The hawk closed its wings to gain speed and almost caught the Roller in its grip.

However, the Roller was lucky. It just dived off the pole down below and the Hawk almost collided with the cement pole. It was like saying Kho to the Roller by the Hawk. The Hawk now replaced the roller on top of this pole. It sat edgily and kept fidgeting as if restless or frustrated on missing out on breakfast. The Roller disappeared but now the Eagle was perched at his vantage point. Rest of the birds below in the bushes had noticed its arrival and dispersed quickly.

Just then there was another Kho. From somewhere arrived a Crow. He did not like the hawk sitting and enjoying its rest. A small peck on the hawk’s head made the hawk scamper away. Now the crow sat on his throne like a king. Scavenger that he is, always on a look out for food. Given a chance they can snatch someone else’s prey also. Birds seemed undaunted by the crow, returning in a swarm back to their favourite bush.

Now the Bulbuls got into action. There were small red berries growing on that bush where the sparrows were congregating. I didn’t see the sparrows picking red berries but the Bulbuls definitely said Kho to pick them. Whenever a sparrow would change a branch, the Bulbul would reach there and say Kho. Then pick a berry and hop onto the next branch occupied by another sparrow. This Kho-Kho game continued without an end.

The Bee Eaters, Swallows and Robbins were playing the same game. For them the electric line passing overhead was the playground. They swooped, caught their prey, and returned to sit on the wire to displace another bird. I suppose they too must be playing Kho-Kho. Isn’t it? I wonder!!!!!!!!

JAI HIND