New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS): Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) general secretary MS Tyagi on Sunday expressed his delight following the successful completion of Ultimate Kho Kho in Pune.

Odisha Juggernauts clinched the title of the inaugural edition of league after beating Telugu Yoddhas by 46-45 in a thrilling final at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.

Speaking to IANS, Tyagi said the response from the crowd was tremendous in Pune.

"Despite Asia Cup or Ganpati functions, people used to come in large numbers every evening to support our kho kho players. The kind of love we got was tremendous.

"I am overwhelmed. The league was too good and everybody on TV or watching live, loved it. The indigenous sport will touch new heights. It was like a dream come true. We will make sure that our own Indian sport gets love and recognition in the world. It will reach the masses with the league," Tyagi said.

"I started playing kho kho in 1962 and since then a major change can be seen in the sport. Our president Sudhanshu Mittal and Rajeev Mehta (secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association) played an important role in making this indigenous sport world famous. And it is just a beginning we will make this sport reach more success."

Asked if there will be foreign players too in the next season of the UKK, the KKFI general secretary said, "We will sit and discuss that in the coming days."

Further talking about future events, Tyagi said that the Asia Cup will be played from October 12 between 12 Asian countries in Delhi.

"Preparations are going great guns for the Asia Cup, and then there will be the World Cup between 20 counties (for which dates and venue are yet to be finalised."