“This victory is not just for our teams but for the entire nation. It showcases India’s rich sporting heritage and the potential of our traditional games on the global stage.” — PM Narendra Modi on India’s Kho Kho World Cup triumph
India made history by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held from January 13 to 19 at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi. This landmark event featured 23 countries from six continents, showcasing one of India’s oldest and most traditional sports on the world stage. India’s dominance was evident as they defeated Nepal in both finals, cementing their place as the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup champions.
🏟️ Event Overview: First-Ever Kho Kho World Cup
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 marked a historic milestone for Indian traditional sports. Organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India in association with the International Kho Kho Federation, this inaugural edition brought together athletes from across the globe to compete in one of India’s oldest indigenous games.
The tournament featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from six continents, including nations like Nepal, South Korea, Iran, Malaysia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and several European and American countries. The seven-a-side format emphasized speed, agility, and strategic gameplay.
Think of Kho Kho as India’s traditional version of tag — but much faster and more strategic. Two teams of 12 players (with 9 on the field) take turns chasing and defending. The chasing team tries to tag the defenders, while defenders dodge and evade. It’s like a high-speed chess match combined with athletics!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 |
| Duration | January 13-19, 2025 (7 days) |
| Venue | Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi |
| Participating Nations | 23 countries from 6 continents |
| Teams | 20 Men’s + 19 Women’s teams |
| Format | Seven-a-side matches |
🏆 Men’s Final: India vs Nepal (54-36)
India’s men’s team displayed sheer brilliance, defeating Nepal 54-36 in a high-intensity final. The match showcased India’s superior tactics, exceptional defense, and strategic gameplay that kept Nepal under constant pressure throughout.
Captain Pratik Waikar and star player Ramji Kashyap played pivotal roles in securing the win. India established a commanding 26-point lead in Turn 1, setting the tone for the match. Nepal attempted a spirited comeback in Turn 4, but India’s defense, led by Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, remained unshaken. India’s strategic skydives and agile gameplay ensured a comfortable 18-point victory margin.
Men’s Final Score: India 54 – Nepal 36 (18-point victory). Key players: Captain Pratik Waikar, Ramji Kashyap, Sachin Bhargo. India led by 26 points after Turn 1.
🏆 Women’s Final: India vs Nepal (78-40)
The Indian women’s team dominated Nepal with a comprehensive 78-40 victory, replicating and even surpassing the success of their male counterparts. The 38-point winning margin demonstrated India’s complete dominance in women’s Kho Kho.
Captain Priyanka Ingle led from the front, scoring multiple touch points in Turn 1 to give India an early advantage. The match’s highlight was B Chaithra’s spectacular Dream Run in Turn 4, lasting over five minutes, which effectively sealed India’s victory. The team displayed flawless defense and strategic counter-attacks throughout the tournament, with commanding wins over South Korea, Iran, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and South Africa before the final showdown.
Don’t confuse: The Men’s final score was 54-36 (18-point margin), while the Women’s final score was 78-40 (38-point margin). The women’s team had a larger victory margin. Both finals were against Nepal.
| Category | Men’s Final | Women’s Final |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | India 54 – Nepal 36 | India 78 – Nepal 40 |
| Victory Margin | 18 points | 38 points |
| Captain | Pratik Waikar | Priyanka Ingle |
| Star Performers | Ramji Kashyap, Sachin Bhargo | B Chaithra (Dream Run) |
| Key Highlight | 26-point lead in Turn 1 | 5+ minute Dream Run in Turn 4 |
⭐ Star Players of the Tournament
India’s success was built on the exceptional performances of several key players who showcased skill, strategy, and leadership:
| Player | Team | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Pratik Waikar | Men’s Team (Captain) | Led defense, strategic leadership throughout tournament |
| Ramji Kashyap | Men’s Team | Key attacker, multiple touch points in final |
| Sachin Bhargo | Men’s Team | Defensive specialist, crucial in final’s Turn 4 |
| Priyanka Ingle | Women’s Team (Captain) | Led from front, multiple touch points in Turn 1 |
| B Chaithra | Women’s Team | Spectacular 5+ minute Dream Run in Turn 4 |
The success of these players highlights the potential of indigenous Indian sports to produce world-class athletes. With proper infrastructure and international exposure, traditional sports like Kho Kho can become globally competitive disciplines.
📜 Historical and Cultural Significance
India’s double victory carries immense historical and cultural significance:
- First-ever World Champions: India became the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup champions in both categories
- Global Recognition: The tournament spotlighted Kho Kho’s heritage — traditionally played in Indian schools and rural communities
- PM’s Acknowledgment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the teams, calling their wins an inspiration for future generations
- Traditional Sports Renaissance: This success validates India’s push to promote indigenous sports on the global stage
- Six Continents: Participation from 23 countries across all six continents marks Kho Kho’s arrival as an international sport
Imagine if Kabaddi — which became popular through Pro Kabaddi League — was just the beginning. Kho Kho is following a similar path from village playgrounds to world championships. This World Cup is like the first Cricket World Cup (1975) — a historic starting point for global expansion.
🌍 Future of Kho Kho: Global Expansion
The success of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is expected to have far-reaching implications for the sport’s future:
- International Growth: More countries are expected to adopt Kho Kho as a competitive sport
- Professional Leagues: Following the Pro Kabaddi model, professional Kho Kho leagues may emerge
- Olympic Aspiration: Long-term goal of Kho Kho being included in the Olympic Games
- Youth Development: Increased focus on grassroots programs and school-level competitions
- Infrastructure: More international-standard Kho Kho facilities expected to be built
The promotion of indigenous sports like Kho Kho aligns with India’s soft power strategy. How can traditional sports contribute to cultural diplomacy? Compare with the success of Yoga’s global adoption and the potential for other Indian sports like Mallakhamb and Silambam.
Click to flip • Master key facts
For GDPI, Essay Writing & Critical Analysis
5 questions • Instant feedback
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was held from January 13-19, 2025 at Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi.
India defeated Nepal 54-36 in the Men’s final, with an 18-point victory margin.
India defeated Nepal 78-40 in the Women’s final, with a 38-point victory margin.
Pratik Waikar was the captain of the Indian Men’s Kho Kho team at the World Cup 2025.
23 countries from six continents participated in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
