In a breathtaking display of speed, strategy, and teamwork, Team India carved their name into the annals of sports history by claiming the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup title. The electrifying final took place on a memorable Sunday night at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where India triumphed over Nepal with a resounding 54-36 victory.
The Men in Blue, led by captain Pratik Waikar and tournament star Ramji Kashyap, delivered a masterclass performance to secure the championship. This victory came alongside a stunning win by the Indian women’s team, who also overpowered Nepal with an impressive score of 78-40, making it a double celebration for Indian Kho Kho.
India set the tone early in the match, attacking first. Ramji Kashyap showcased his brilliance with a remarkable skydive that tagged Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate followed up with a swift touch on Bharat Sahu, earning India 10 points within the first four minutes. Skydives became the highlight of India’s strategy in Turn 1, effectively neutralizing Nepal’s Dream Run attempts. At the end of the turn, India had built a commanding 26-0 lead, setting a strong foundation for the game.
In Turn 2, Nepal attempted to bounce back but struggled to match India’s relentless pace and precision. While Nepal managed to prevent India from achieving a Dream Run, Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar led the Indian charge, keeping their momentum intact. Despite consistent efforts from Nepal’s Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India maintained a solid 26-18 lead as the match headed into the second half.
With their extraordinary teamwork and strategic gameplay, Team India not only secured a historic victory but also inspired countless fans by showcasing the true essence of Kho Kho on a global stage.
India showcased their brilliance in Turn 3, playing with unmatched confidence and determination. Captain Pratik Waikar delivered an exceptional performance with multiple skydives, supported by the ever-reliable Ramji Kashyap, another standout player of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule also rose to the occasion, contributing significantly as the team extended their lead to a commanding 54-18 heading into the final turn of both the match and the tournament.
Nepal gave their all in Turn 4, attempting to stage a comeback against a dominant Indian side. However, India’s defenders, led by Pratik Waikar and the dynamic Sachin Bhargo, affectionately nicknamed “Chingari,” proved impenetrable. Mehul and Suman Barman further fortified the defense, ensuring that India held firm. When the final whistle blew, the score stood at 54-36, securing a well-earned victory for Team India and their first-ever Kho Kho World Cup trophy.
India’s journey to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. The team asserted their dominance early on with emphatic group-stage wins against Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan. Their momentum carried them into the knockout stages, where they convincingly defeated Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before toppling a formidable South African side in the semifinals.
This incredible triumph not only marks a historic milestone for Team India but also underscores their unwavering dedication and teamwork, cementing their legacy in the world of Kho Kho.
The grand finale of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup was elevated by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, highlighting the importance of this landmark event. Among those attending were former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Pankaj Mithal, and Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. Odisha’s Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, also graced the occasion alongside International Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Krishna Gopal.
Their presence underscored the cultural and global significance of Kho Kho, as it continues its remarkable evolution from a beloved Indian tradition to a sport with international recognition. The event marked a pivotal moment in the sport’s journey toward greater prominence, with aspirations of eventually becoming part of the Olympic Games. This gathering of dignitaries added an extra layer of prestige to an already momentous occasion for Kho Kho enthusiasts worldwide.
