Exploring Gender-Based Disparities in Speed, Agility, and Quickness Attributes Among Kho-Kho Players in Mumbai: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the gender-based differences in speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) attributes among Kho-Kho players in Mumbai, India. Kho-Kho, a traditional Indian sport, requires rapid changes in direction, acceleration, and deceleration, making SAQ crucial for performance. Despite the sport's popularity, there is limited research on gender-specific SAQ characteristics among Kho-Kho players. The study recruited 100 Kho-Kho players (50 males and 50 females) from various clubs and institutions in Mumbai. Participants underwent a series of SAQ tests, including the 40-yard dash, T-test, and Illinois agility test, to assess their speed, agility, and quickness. Results revealed significant gender-based differences in SAQ attributes among Kho-Kho players. Male participants exhibited superior performance in speed-related tests, such as the 40-yard dash, demonstrating faster sprint times compared to females. Conversely, females demonstrated greater agility and quickness in tests like the T-test and Illinois agility test, indicating superior multidirectional movement capabilities. These findings suggest that while male Kho-Kho players excel in straight-line speed, female players possess advantages in agility and quickness, possibly due to differences in biomechanical and physiological factors. Understanding these gender-specific differences can inform training programs tailored to enhance specific SAQ attributes in male and female Kho-Kho players, potentially optimizing their performance and reducing the gender gap in sports. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to these disparities and develop targeted interventions to address them.