Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT Flexibility, agility, and muscular strength are integral physical fitness components that underpin performance in indigenous Indian sports. The present study aimed to compare these three selected fitness attributes flexibility (Sit and Reach Test), agility (Illinois Agility Test), and muscular strength (Hand Grip Strength) between male Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players at Kuvempu University. Methods: Sixty male inter-collegiate and inter-university level athletes (30 Kabaddi, 30 Kho-Kho), aged 19-28 years, were selected by purposive sampling. Flexibility was measured using the Sit and Reach Test, agility using the Illinois Agility Test (IAT), and muscular strength using a calibrated hand grip dynamometer for both hands. A paired samples t-test was applied at the 0.05 significance level. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in flexibility in favor of Kho-Kho players (M = 135.30 cm vs. M = 110.77 cm; p = .001). No significant differences were found in agility (p = .508), right-hand grip strength (p = .561), or left-hand grip strength (p = .664) between the two groups. Conclusions: Kho-Kho players demonstrated significantly superior flexibility, likely attributable to the sport's dynamic positional demands. Agility and grip strength were comparable between the two sport groups at this competitive level. Keywords: Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, flexibility, agility, hand grip strength, indigenous sports, university athletes, physical fitness.