The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 concluded on January 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, with India clinching both the men’s and women’s titles. The tournament marked a significant milestone for the traditional Indian sport, showcasing its global appeal and competitive spirit.
India Dominates Both Finals
India faced Nepal in both the men’s and women’s finals. The hosts delivered commanding performances, outplaying their opponents to secure the titles.
Men’s Final
In the men’s summit clash, India defeated Nepal with a decisive 54-36 scoreline. India’s tactical superiority, agility, and teamwork were evident throughout the game. Nepal showed resilience, but the Indian team, led by its captain, remained unstoppable.
Women’s Final
The women’s final was even more emphatic, with India overwhelming Nepal 78-40. The Indian women displayed exceptional speed and strategy, ensuring their dominance from the start.
The Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup
This was the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The competition featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from across the globe, representing the sport’s growing international popularity. The tournament began with group stages, followed by knockout rounds that culminated in the finals.
India’s Journey to Victory
India’s men’s and women’s teams showcased impeccable performances throughout the tournament, dominating their respective groups and excelling in the knockout stages.
Men’s Team Journey
The Indian men’s team was placed in Group A alongside Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan. They topped their group with a perfect record, winning all four matches convincingly.
- Group Stage Highlights:
- India defeated Nepal 42-37 in a closely fought match.
- They secured a massive win against Brazil, scoring 64-34.
- A dominant 100-40 victory over Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals set the tone for the knockouts.
- In the semi-finals, India overcame South Africa 62-42.
Women’s Team Journey
India’s women’s team also emerged unbeaten from Group A, competing against Iran, Malaysia, and South Korea.
- Group Stage Highlights:
- India defeated South Korea 175-18, showcasing their attacking prowess.
- They crushed Iran 100-16 and Malaysia 100-20.
- In the quarter-finals, India outclassed Bangladesh 109-16.
- The semi-final saw India triumph over South Africa 66-16, paving the way for their dominant performance in the final.
Nepal’s Strong Run
Nepal, the runners-up in both divisions, proved to be a formidable opponent throughout the tournament. Their men’s team secured significant victories over Bhutan and South Africa, while the women’s team dominated Group C, winning all their matches.
- Men’s Highlights:
- Nepal defeated Bangladesh 67-18 in the quarter-finals.
- They shocked Iran in the semi-finals with a 72-20 victory.
- Women’s Highlights:
- Nepal crushed Iran 103-8 in the quarter-finals.
- They continued their stellar run by defeating Uganda 89-18 in the semi-finals.
Despite their strong performances, Nepal could not match India’s dominance in the finals.
Group Stage and Knockout Highlights
The group stages of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 provided thrilling matches, with several teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The knockout rounds intensified the competition as teams fought for a place in the finals.
Men’s Division
- Group A: India and Nepal led the group, with India finishing unbeaten.
- Group B: Iran and South Africa emerged as the top two teams, with Iran dominating the group stages.
- Group C: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka advanced, with Bangladesh displaying a stellar defensive strategy.
- Group D: England and Kenya secured quarter-final spots.
Women’s Division
- Group A: India and Iran advanced, with India showcasing unmatched strength.
- Group B: England, Kenya, and Uganda battled fiercely, with Uganda emerging as a surprise contender.
- Group C: Nepal and Bangladesh dominated, securing their spots in the knockouts.
- Group D: South Africa and New Zealand made it to the next round, with South Africa leading the group.
Global Participation and Growth
The participation of teams from continents like South America, Europe, and Africa highlighted Kho Kho’s growing international appeal. Teams such as Brazil, Peru, and South Korea brought diverse playing styles, enriching the tournament.
Key Performances by Non-Asian Teams
- South Africa: A standout team in both men’s and women’s tournaments, South Africa reached the men’s semi-finals and the women’s quarter-finals.
- England: The English men’s team topped Group D with a perfect record, showcasing their tactical understanding of the game.
Reviving Indigenous Sports
Kho Kho, an indigenous Indian sport, received a significant boost with the World Cup. This inaugural event underscores the efforts to promote traditional sports on a global stage.
Historical Context
Kho Kho was demonstrated at the Berlin 1936 Olympics alongside other Indian sports like kabaddi and mallakhamb. The World Cup 2025 serves as a continuation of efforts to popularize Kho Kho internationally.
Standings and Winners
The tournament concluded with India standing tall in both men’s and women’s categories.
Final Standings:
- Men’s Division:
- India
- Nepal
- South Africa
- Iran
- Women’s Division:
- India
- Nepal
- Uganda
- South Africa
Key Takeaways
- India’s Dominance: India’s success in both divisions underscores their supremacy in Kho Kho.
- Nepal’s Rising Strength: Nepal’s performance reflects their growing presence in the sport.
- Global Recognition: The tournament’s success has paved the way for Kho Kho’s inclusion in future international multi-sport events.
Future Prospects
The success of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 has set the stage for future editions. Organizers are already planning to expand the competition, with more nations expressing interest in participating.
Additionally, the event has sparked discussions about including Kho Kho in global competitions like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was a landmark event, celebrating the spirit of competition and the global potential of an indigenous Indian sport. With India claiming double glory and other nations showcasing their growing prowess, the tournament highlighted Kho Kho’s capacity to unite diverse cultures through athletic excellence. The inaugural edition is just the beginning of a bright future for Kho Kho on the world stage.
