The Kho Kho World Cup is Ours

India Crowned World Champions; Defeated Nepal In The Final of First-Ever Kho Kho World Cup

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: In a spectacular display of speed, strategy, and skill, Team India etched their names in sporting history by clinching the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on a beautiful Sunday night.. The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a commanding 54-36 victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They joined the women’s team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40.

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup finals witnessed an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, adding prestige to this historic sporting event. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Shri Pankaj Mithal, and Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju graced the occasion with their presence. Also present were Odisha’s Minister of Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, International Kho Kho Federation President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Shri Krishna Gopal ji. Their attendance showed the significance of this milestone event in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian sport to a global phenomenon on its way to being an Olympic Sport.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes. Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favor of the Indians — a perfect start for the side.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match Team India’s levels but did prevent the side from going on a single Dream Run. Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the side carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against Team India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and this time Sachin Bhargo — fondly known as Chingari — proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive, and this sealed a much-deserved trophy for Team India as the score read 54-36 at the end of the final.

The team’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.

MATCH AWARDS

Best Attacker of the match: Suyash Gargate (Team India)

*Best Defender of the match:* Rohit Burma (Team Nepal)

*Best Player of the match:* Mehul (Team India).