66 Original Scientifc Article ISSN 1993-7989 (print) ISSN 1993-7997 (online) ISSN-L 1993-7989 Physical Education Theory and Methodology Теорія та методика фізичного виховання ТМФВ ТОВ ОВС Comparing Physical Attribute Distinctions in Male Kho-Kho Positions Sarita Tyagi 1ABCDE , Anil Kumar Vanaik 1ABCDE , Monika Wasuja 1ABCDE and Dessalegn Wase Mola 2CDE 1 University of Delhi 2 Ambo University Authors’ Contribution: A – Study design; B – Data collection; C – Statistical analysis; D – Manuscript Preparation; E – Funds Collection Corresponding Author: Dessalegn Wase Mola, e-mail: dessalegn.wasie@gmail.com Accepted for Publication: December 10, 2024 Published: January 30, 2025 DOI: 10.17309/tmfv.2025.1.08 Abstract Background. Kho-Kho, a traditional Indian sport, has separate roles for runners and chasers, each requiring unique physical attributes. Research on the specifc physical and anthropometric characteristics of players in this position is limited, highlighting the need for this study to optimize performance at the national level. Objectives. Te study aimed to investigate the diferences in physical and anthropometric parameters between national level male Kho-Kho players categorized as Runners and Chasers. Materials and methods. A total of 200 male Kho-Kho players, aged 17 to 21 years, were selected for the study. Te participants were divided into two groups: 100 Runners (average age 19.21 ± 1.15 years) and 100 Chasers (average age 19.29 ± 1.19 years). Te physical attributes measured included body weight, height, BMI, arm length, sitting height, chest girth, thigh girth, calf girth, and skinfold thickness at the biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac regions. Te body fat percentage was calculated using the skinfold measurement technique. Data collection tools included a weighing scale for body weight, a fexible metal tape for circumferences and arm length, and a stadiometer for height and sitting height. Te mean and standard deviation were computed for each parameter, and an independent samples t-test was used to compare the two groups. Results. Te fndings revealed signifcant diferences in weight, BMI, chest, thigh, and calf circumferences, with Chasers having higher values. In contrast, Runners exhibited greater arm length and sitting height. Additionally, there was no considerable diference in height between Runners and Chasers. Conclusions. Te study concluded that Chasers tend to have higher body weight, BMI, and larger circumferences in the chest, thigh, and calf regions, which may be advantageous for their role. Conversely, Runners beneft from longer arm lengths and greater sitting height, which may aid in evading Chasers. Tese fndings suggest that role-specifc physical attributes should be considered in training and player selection to enhance performance in Kho-Kho. Keywords: anthropometry, body composition, chasers, Kho-Kho, physical attributes, runners. © Tyagi, S., Vanaik, A. K., Wasuja, M., & Mola, D. W., 2025. Introduction Kho-Kho, one of India’s oldest traditional team sports, has a rich history rooted in the country’s cultural heritage, continues to attract youth even today, maintaining its popularity across the country (Suradkar, 2012; Jacob et al., 2023). It is a dynamic, high-energy game that demands significant physical and mental stamina. The sport is structured around running and chasing, with each team comprising twelve players, of which nine take the feld initially. Te objective is straightforward: chasers aim to tag the runners of the opposing team, who in turn, strive to evade being caught. Te strategic elements of the game are complex, as runners, also known as defenders, must use agility and tactical thinking to avoid being tagged, while chasers must demonstrate speed, endurance, and precision (Manohar, 2015). Te game’s structure, which restricts chasers to moving in one direction and necessitates running around posts to switch sides, further emphasizes the importance of physical ftness and strategic maneuvering (Kamlesh, 1998).