India marked the beginning of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup with an exhilarating 42-37 victory over Nepal, setting the stage for an action-packed competition. The match, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on January 13, 2025, highlighted India’s exceptional skills and teamwork, with captain Pratik Waikar leading the charge.
From the very first turn, India displayed a flawless performance, swiftly taking down Nepal’s defenders in under a minute. The match was a display of aggressive gameplay and strategic brilliance, as players like Waikar and Ramji Kashyap dominated the court. The team’s impeccable teamwork and quick reflexes were evident, as they built a commanding 14-point lead by halftime.
India’s performance was punctuated by spectacular moments, such as Sachin Bhargo’s breathtaking skydive, which helped India extend their lead and secure the victory. With this win, India has set a high bar for the competition and solidified their position as the team to watch in the tournament.
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 kicked off with a grand opening ceremony, attended by prominent figures such as Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, and IOA President PT Usha. The tournament features 39 teams, with 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams, marking a significant global reach for the sport.
Kho Kho, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, has evolved significantly over the years. With origins tracing back to Maharashtra, it has grown into a professional sport, now played internationally. The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is a milestone in the sport’s journey, and India’s dominant performance in the opener has raised the excitement for the upcoming matches.
As the tournament progresses, India will face off against Brazil in their next match, while the women’s team also prepares to take on South Korea. The tournament promises to showcase the best of Kho Kho, culminating in an intense final on January 19, 2025, where the world’s top teams will compete for the title.
With intense competition on the horizon, the Kho Kho World Cup is poised to shine a spotlight on this thrilling sport, elevating it to new heights on the global stage.