India etched its name in the annals of sports history by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. Held at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the Indian teams showcased unparalleled mastery, defeating Nepal with commanding margins—54-36 in the men’s final and 78-40 in the women’s final.
Women’s Team: A Masterclass in Strategy and Synchronization
The Indian women’s team put on a flawless display, exemplifying speed, coordination, and tactical brilliance. From the outset, they asserted their dominance, with captain Priyanka Ingle leading the charge in Turn 1. Nepal struggled to counter India’s relentless offensive, succumbing to quick touches and strategic gameplay.
India racked up an impressive 35 points in the first turn, keeping Nepal from securing a single Dream Run. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by Nepal in Turn 2, led by Dipa BK, India maintained a comfortable halftime lead of 35-24.
Turn 3 witnessed India’s absolute command, pushing the scoreline to a staggering 73-24. The highlight came in Turn 4 when Chaithra B, named Player of the Match, executed a spectacular Dream Run that sealed India’s victory by a 38-point margin.
Coach Sumit Bhatia lauded the team’s tactical brilliance, stating, “History was made today. Our campaign was built on confidence and well-timed strategies. We reserved some of our best moves for the knockout stages, ensuring peak performance when it mattered the most.”
Adding a bittersweet note to the celebrations, 2023 Arjuna awardee and former captain Nasreen Shaikh announced her retirement after the historic win.
Men’s Team: A Display of Sheer Dominance
The men’s final saw India replicate the women’s team’s dominance, beginning with a thunderous Turn 1. Ramji Kashyap and Suyash Gargate set the tone with breathtaking sky dives and precise touches, catapulting India to a 26-0 lead while denying Nepal any Dream Runs.
Nepal launched a counteroffensive in Turn 2, with Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara narrowing the gap, but India still held a solid 26-18 halftime lead.
In Turn 3, India reasserted its control, as captain Pratik Waikar delivered multiple sky dives, supported by stellar performances from Kashyap and Ganpule. The team surged ahead to a commanding 54-18 lead.
Despite Nepal’s valiant efforts in the final turn, India’s defense, spearheaded by Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, remained impenetrable. Contributions from Mehul and Suman Barman further solidified India’s position, culminating in a 54-36 victory and the men’s title.
Speaking after the match, skipper Waikar remarked, “Nepal’s strength lies in chasing, and they could have trapped us. But our focus on improving defensive tactics paid off. This victory ensures that the growth of kho kho as a sport will continue.”
A New Era for Kho Kho
The triumph marks a monumental moment for kho kho, elevating its status on the global stage. Coach Ashwini Kumar hinted at the sport’s bright future, revealing that the next edition of the World Cup is likely to be hosted by England in 2027.
As India celebrates this historic achievement, the victories are more than just titles—they are a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in indigenous sports. With such stellar performances, kho kho is poised to garner global recognition, inspiring future generations to take up the game.