Standing broad jump and flexibility are fundamental components of athletic performance in traditional Indian games. Circuit training has been recognized as an effective method for developing multiple fitness parameters simultaneously. This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit training on standing broad jump performance and flexibility (bent and reach test) among Kho Kho players, Kabaddi players, and a control group of intercollegiate athletes. Ninety male participants (n=90) aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to three groups: Control group (n=30), Kho Kho group (n=30), and Kabaddi group (n=30). The experimental groups underwent an 8-week circuit training program while the control group maintained their regular training routine. Standing broad jump was measured in meters and flexibility was assessed using the bent and reach test measured in centimeters, both before and after the intervention period. Both experimental groups showed significant improvements in standing broad jump and flexibility performance compared to the control group. For standing broad jump, the Kabaddi group demonstrated the greatest improvement with a mean difference of 0.20 meters (p<0.01), followed by the Kho Kho group with a mean difference of 0.16 meters (p<0.01). For flexibility, the Kabaddi group showed superior improvement of 5.37 cm, while the Kho Kho group improved by 6.07 cm (p<0.01). The control group showed minimal non-significant changes in both parameters. Circuit training effectively improves both standing broad jump and flexibility performance in Kho Kho and Kabaddi players, with both sports showing comparable adaptations to the training protocol.

Circuit training, standing broad jump, flexibility, bent and reach, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, explosive power, athletic performance

This study demonstrates that circuit training is highly effective for improving both explosive power and flexibility in Kho Kho and Kabaddi players. The 8-week circuit training program resulted in significant improvements in standing broad jump performance and flexibility for both experimental groups, with comparable adaptations between sports. The findings support the integration of circuit training methodologies into training programs for traditional Indian game athletes seeking comprehensive fitness development. The ability to simultaneously improve multiple fitness parameters makes circuit training an efficient and practical training approach. Coaches and athletes can confidently implement circuit training protocols to enhance explosive power and flexibility, two critical components of athletic performance in traditional Indian games. The standardized approach that benefits both Kho Kho and Kabaddi players makes it particularly valuable for multi-sport training environments. Future research should continue to explore optimal training parameters, examine long-term adaptations, and investigate the effects of circuit training on additional performance variables relevant to traditional Indian games.

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