Background: Kho-Kho is an intermittent sport that requires repeated running, acceleration, changes of direction and explosive movements. These demands place considerable stress on cardiovascular endurance and lower-limb power. Fartlek training uses changes in running speed and intensity and may therefore be useful for conditioning Kho-Kho players.

Objective: To determine the effect of Fartlek training on cardiovascular endurance and explosive power among collegiate female Kho-Kho players aged 18–23 years.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test experimental study was conducted among 20 collegiate female Kho-Kho players selected by purposive sampling. Cardiovascular endurance was assessed using the 12-Minute Cooper Test and explosive power using the Standing Broad Jump Test. Participants completed a structured Fartlek training programme four days per week. Pre- and post-training scores were compared using a paired t-test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean distance in the 12-Minute Cooper Test increased from 2056.00 m before training to 2510.75 m after training, giving a mean improvement of 454.75 m. The paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference (t = 15.287, df = 19, p < 0.001). Standing broad jump performance increased from a mean of 1.4565 m to 1.8545 m, with a mean improvement of 0.3980 m; the paired t-test was also statistically significant (t = 13.747, df = 19, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Fartlek training programme was associated with significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and explosive power in this group of collegiate female Kho-Kho players. Fartlek training may be considered as a conditioning option for improving these physical fitness components.