In a spectacular display of athleticism and strategy, Team India emerged victorious in the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, hosted at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. India’s men’s and women’s teams dominated their respective finals, both claiming convincing victories over Nepal, marking a historic moment for the sport.
The Indian men’s team showed spectacular performances as they took the final over Nepal with 54-36. Under captain Pratik Waikar and star player Ramji Kashyap, India dominated the whole match. Suraj Pujara of Nepal was sent packing early due to brilliant skydives by Ramji, and another touch by Suyash Gargate helped set the tone. In only four minutes, India gathered 10 points, setting them in command with a 26-0 lead at the end of Turn 1.
India consolidated their lead in Turn 2, where despite Nepal’s spirited comeback, Pratik Waikar and Aditya Ganpule excelled. The half-time score read 26-18 in India’s favor. In Turn 3, India continued to go strong with many skydives from Waikar and Kashyap to build up the difference to 54-18. Turn 4 was futile for Nepal as the Indian defenders -aikar and Sachin Bhargo (Chingari)-kept it at bay, closing the match 54-36.
Women’s Team Roars Back to Thrash Nepal 78-40
The Indian women’s team also produced a great performance in the final, beating Nepal 78-40. The Indian attackers, led by skipper Priyanka Ingle, took the game away right from the beginning as they garnered 14 points in just three batches. They were completely dominating Turn 1 with no Dream Runs allowed for Nepal. Leadership and multiple touches from Priyanka Ingle ensured India’s solid 34-point lead by the end of Turn 1.
In Turn 2, Nepal fought back, thanks to Manmati Dhami and Samjhana B, but India kept calm. The momentum shifted in favor of India at Turn 3, as Nepal’s Dipa BK could not keep up with the pace set by India. Chaithra B was the star of Turn 4. She orchestrated a Dream Run for 5 minutes and 14 seconds, helping India to 78 points easily and winning the women’s team.
India Road to Glory
The men’s team went unbeaten during the group stage. They easily thrashed Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan. In the knockouts, they crushed Bangladesh and South Africa before entering the final. On the other hand, the women’s team, who had started strongly, beating South Korea, IR Iran, and Malaysia, took their team further in the knockouts. Here, again, they trashed Bangladesh and South Africa, to eventually go ahead and take the title.
It was a historic moment for Kho Kho. India winning the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 would mean a huge step forward in bringing the game to the international arena. Both the men’s and women’s teams have exhibited skill, teamwork, and determination, ensuring a place in Kho Kho history books as the first-ever world champions.
