New Delhi: Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), India’s first professional Kho Kho league, has announced the appointment of Dhiraj Parasher as its new Chief Executive Officer, in a strategic leadership move aimed at steering the league into its next phase of global growth. The appointment comes as UKK gears up for its most ambitious edition yet — Season 3, which kicks off on November 29, 2025, and will for the first time feature international players.
As UKK evolves from a national phenomenon into an emerging global property, Parasher’s entry marks a key inflection point. With the league poised to scale operations, expand its fan base across geographies, and deepen digital and grassroots engagement, his leadership is expected to be instrumental in defining UKK’s global positioning.
Parasher brings with him over two decades of experience in sports, entertainment, consulting, and brand development. Having held senior roles at Adani Group and Ernst & Young, he has played a pivotal role in building sporting infrastructure and managing marquee events such as the 2010 Commonwealth Games. His work with federations, state governments, and franchise-led sports models has made him a champion of long-term, sustainable ecosystems — particularly with a focus on grassroots development, as seen during his tenure with the Government of Jharkhand.
Welcoming his appointment, Amit Burman, Promoter, Ultimate Kho Kho, said, “Dhiraj’s leadership aligns perfectly with our vision to take UKK to the next level. His strategic mindset and deep-rooted knowledge of grassroots sport will help us scale UKK’s reach, especially among digitally savvy fans, while staying true to the cultural core of Kho Kho.”
In his new role, Parasher will lead UKK’s efforts to build a globally scalable league, blending traditional sporting values with modern innovations in broadcasting, fan engagement, and international partnerships.
“Ultimate Kho Kho is the culmination of India’s ambition to take a traditional sport to the global stage,” said Dhiraj Parasher, CEO, Ultimate Kho Kho. “As India prepares to include indigenous games in global platforms like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, my focus is on building UKK into a league of global relevance — one powered by international participation, cutting-edge broadcasting, and next-gen community engagement. Season 3 is a strategic launchpad — a step towards making Kho Kho a scalable and exportable sport for the world.”
An alumnus of Delhi University, Parasher is also known for his advocacy of sport-for-change initiatives and building inclusive, purpose-led sporting platforms. His appointment signals UKK’s intent to not only elevate Kho Kho commercially but also transform it into a movement rooted in India’s cultural pride and sporting ambition.
