India has made history at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, with both the men’s and women’s teams emerging victorious in the tournament’s landmark 2025 edition.
From the first whistle to the final moment, #TeamIndia showed what it takes to be World Champions
— Kho Kho World Cup India 2025 (@Kkwcindia) January 19, 2025
Relive the powerful moments of the #KhoKhoWorldCup 2025 Finale!#TheWorldGoesKho #Khommunity #KhoKho #KKWCMen #KKWC2025 pic.twitter.com/nxJzCyImfB
The Indian men’s team defeated Nepal 54-36 in a thrilling final, while the women’s team triumphed over the same opponents, winning 78-40 to claim the inaugural title.
The Queens of #KhoKho
— Kho Kho World Cup India 2025 (@Kkwcindia) January 19, 2025#TeamIndia’s women take the first-ever #KhoKhoWorldCup
#TheWorldGoesKho #Khommunity #KhoKho #KKWCWomen #KKWC2025 pic.twitter.com/CezSmnrIZv
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievements of both teams, emphasising how these wins would further popularise Kho Kho among young Indians.
“Today’s a great day for Indian Kho Kho. Incredibly proud of Indian Men’s Kho Kho team for winning the Kho Kho World Cup title. Their grit and dedication is commendable. This win will contribute to further popularising Kho Kho among the youth,” Modi wrote on X.
PM Modi also praised the Indian women’s team, hailing their “unparalleled skill, determination and teamwork” in securing the first-ever women’s Kho Kho World Cup.
The Indian men’s team, led by captain Pratik Waikar, dominated their final match after an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Starting with commanding victories in the group stages, India secured a thrilling 42-37 win over Nepal, and continued their unbeaten run with triumphs over Sri Lanka and South Africa in the knockout stages. In the final, they held a commanding 26-0 lead by the end of Turn 1, before extending it further in Turn 3, ending the match 54-36.
Similarly, the Indian women’s team, captained by Priyanka Ingle, showcased their brilliance by overcoming Nepal with a dominant score of 78-40. Their journey to victory included a flawless run through the group stages and knockout rounds, where they beat Bangladesh and South Africa. In the final, India stormed ahead with a 34-0 lead after Turn 1, before securing a 49-point advantage by Turn 3. Despite Nepal’s best efforts, the Indian women continued their dominance and sealed the title with a 78-40 scoreline.
Both teams have made an undeniable mark on the sport, with the men’s team proving their strength and resilience, and the women’s team setting a new benchmark in the world of Kho Kho.
In an exciting twist, Australia also made its debut at the World Cup, with the men’s and women’s teams led by captain Kulkarni and Sonam Garg, respectively.
Kho Kho, which has had a bit of presence in Australia since the early days of Indian immigration, has recently seen a surge in interest. Thanks to the establishment of Kho Kho Australia in 2024, the nation was able to assemble competitive teams in a remarkably short time. Despite a strong effort, the Australian men’s team finished third in their group, thus missing out on a spot in the knockout rounds.
Australia’s involvement has added a new dimension to the World Cup, with the sport gaining increasing traction Down Under. Australian players have expressed hopes of seeing Kho Kho included in the Brisbane Olympics.
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