The first Kho Kho World Cup will be held in New Delhi, featuring 41 teams from six continents. The tournament is scheduled from January 13-19, 2025, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and Noida Indoor Stadium, according to the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).
Tournament Format and Teams
The competition will follow a league-cum-knockout format. It will have 21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams. In total, 24 countries will compete, marking a major step in promoting Kho Kho worldwide.
Regional Participation
The United States will send only a men’s team, representing North America. European countries, including England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, will compete in both categories. Australia will send teams for both genders, while New Zealand will only send a women’s team.
In South America, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru will participate. Argentina and Brazil will field only men’s teams, while Peru will compete in both categories.
Africa’s Teams
Africa will be represented by Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Kenya and South Africa will send both men’s and women’s teams. Ghana will send a men’s team, and Uganda will send a women’s team.
Asia’s Large Representation
Asia will have the largest representation. Teams from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka will compete. Indonesia will only send a women’s team, while the rest will participate in both categories.
Team Arrivals and Logistics
All teams will arrive in New Delhi by January 11, 2025, except Sri Lanka, which will arrive on January 10. A total of 615 players and 125 support staff will participate. Each team will consist of 15 players, a coach, a manager, and technical staff. India will provide accommodation, transport, and catering for all teams.
A Historic Event for Kho Kho
Sudhanshu Mittal, KKFI President, said, “The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the best talent from across the globe.” He added, “With the stage set in New Delhi, the competition will captivate audiences and boost Kho Kho’s global profile.”