Over the last decade, under the patronage of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the sport has taken a significant leap in terms of its presence both domestically and internationally. Its footprint now extends to over 680 districts across India, is played in schools all over the country, and its global presence is in more than 55 countries across all six continents. The success of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history, bringing international attention to one of India’s oldest traditional games.
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The 2025 edition of the Kho Kho World Cup marked a milestone for the sport, bringing together a strong lineup of national teams across continents. The tournament was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, showcasing high-performance squads in both categories of men and women. While many teams were participating for the first time, the matches reflected competitive spirit and tactical discipline.
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- Com degree, she now works at the Income Tax Department in Mumbai while maintaining rigorous training routines.
- This rule holds true at every level—from local contests to international tournaments.
- Kho Kho is now increasingly seen on par with other mainstream sports that offer both financial rewards and public acclaim, making it a compelling career path for aspiring sportspersons.
- It provides a balanced and competitive structure, ensuring equal opportunities for both sides to attack and defend.
- The team structure followed international standards with 12 players active and strategic substitutions applied throughout each turn.
- With a balanced mix of experience and youth, strong leadership, and a focus on teamwork and fitness, they can aim for a successful campaign and win first Men’s kho-kho world cup title.
The blessings and support of the countrymen are with this team, which is preparing to add a new chapter in Indian sports history. India’s men’s team will compete against heavyweights Nepal to start their campaign on Monday while the women’s team will kick off its season against South Korea on January 14. Below, we have collected all the information you need to know about the tournament in one place. India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.
Rutuja Lad and Ashwini Patil have also been selected for the Kho Kho World cup 2025, whose skill and strength have taken them to this level. Swati’s intelligence and Pooja’s strength can prove to be beneficial for the team. Fans in India can watch the live television broadcast of all Kho Kho World Cup 2025 matches on Star Sports Network and DD Sports. In addition, Disney+ Hotstar app and website will livestream the matches for digital users.
As per KKFI and IKKF, the Team India squads were selected after an intensive training camp at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi from 10 December, 2024. The KKFI Selection Committee, led by President Sudhanshu Mittal and General Secretary MS Tyagi, played a crucial role in the selection of the final 15 for the Men’s and Women’s teams among 60 male and 60 female players who were a part of the camp. KKFI has announced the Women’s Indian team for Kho-Kho World Cup 2025 in a press conference at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi) with a bold statement that this team is all set to make the country proud with its performance.
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His impressive track record includes leading the Indian Men’s team to Gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and securing victory with the Odisha Juggernauts in season 1 of UKK. Recognition for his coaching prowess came earlier when he was named Delhi’s best coach in 2014. His extensive background and proven success make him an invaluable asset as the team pursues their championship ambitions. “This World Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a testament to Kho Kho’s evolution from a traditional Indian sport to an international competitive event, aiming to reach an Olmpic level.” Female athletes demonstrated that they match their male counterparts in strategy, athleticism, and performance. As recognition grows, greater representation in future leagues is expected, paving the way for full inclusion in domestic and international Kho Kho circuits.
The rise of the participation of women has been particularly noticeable in recent years, culminating in major international victories. Of these, 9 are active at any given moment—7 attackers participate directly in the chase, and 2 are part of the sitting lineup or waiting to rotate. The remaining 3 players serve as substitutes and can be brought Indian kho kho national side in during transitions or when strategic adjustments are needed.
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The coach is a backbone of whole team, as he conducts the regular practice sessions to improve the team’s skills and techniques and the practice has already begun. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) promotes and develops the indigenous sport of Kho Kho across India, nurturing talent from grassroots to professional levels. Kho Kho, a sport which resonates with every Bharatwasi, is today popular worldwide and stands at par with any other competitive sport.
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These governing bodies ensure standardised rules, training frameworks, and tournament protocols across regions. Effective communication is essential, with the captain acting as the link between the coach and team during matches. In high-stakes matches like the World Cup final, quick decisions by the captain can directly impact outcomes. A good captain remains composed, reads the match flow, and motivates the team under pressure. Jerseys are lightweight, allowing freedom of movement and quick direction shifts, essential to the pace of the sport. Each team follows guidelines for player numbers, placement of logos, and approved colour schemes.
- The tournament will run for the entire week with the final on Sunday (January 19).
- His extensive background and proven success make him an invaluable asset as the team pursues their championship ambitions.
- The women’s team’s journey to the title included impressive wins over South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia in the group stages, followed by commanding victories against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals.
- Swati’s intelligence and Pooja’s strength can prove to be beneficial for the team.
- “Our selection process has been meticulous and transparent, ensuring we have the strongest possible teams representing India.
Apart from government job opportunities, the sport has brought recognition and fame to many athletes, inspiring the youth to take it up with renewed passion. The awards and grants federation confers, such as the Ekalavya Award, Rani Laxmibai Award, Janaki Award, Abhimanyu Award, Ila Awards, & Bharat Award, have served as a powerful source of inspiration for athletes. These are in addition to the prestigious national honors like the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, and Dronacharya Award instituted by the Government. Kho Kho is now increasingly seen on par with other mainstream sports that offer both financial rewards and public acclaim, making it a compelling career path for aspiring sportspersons. Now, we are gearing up for the third Season of the Ultimate Kho Kho League, which is going to be all the more exciting and engaging with participation from international players for the first time.
India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky-dives and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team’s collective effort took the score to entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament. Also present were Odisha’s Minister of Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, International Kho Kho Federation President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Shri Krishna Gopal ji. Their attendance showed the significance of this milestone event in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian sport to a global phenomenon on its way to being an Olympic Sport. The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup finals witnessed an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, adding prestige to this historic sporting event.
As Chief Coach of the Women’s Team at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship 2023, he has secured international victories including gold medals at the 3rd Asian Championship and 12th South Asian Games, while also serving as an International Referee at global events. Regular participation in federation-approved events helps teams gain global exposure and rankings. Through structured guidance, these federations have successfully brought Kho Kho to new audiences and elevated its standing in the international sporting landscape.
The Indian women’s team for this big tournament will be led by Priyanka Ingle, whose experience and sportsmanship will play an important role for the team. The Indian women’s team mirrored their male counterparts’ success by defeating Nepal in the final. Captain Priyanka Ingle led with multiple touch points, establishing a strong foundation in Turn 1. A stellar Dream Run by B Chaithra in Turn 4, lasting over five minutes, sealed the victory. The women’s team’s journey to the title included impressive wins over South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia in the group stages, followed by commanding victories against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals.
The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a stellar victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They joined the women’s team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40. Kho Kho in India features well-established male and female squads at both domestic and international levels. Each team adheres to the same gameplay structure, but there are distinctions in visibility, league presence, and historical representation.
