Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Indian Men’s and Women’s Team Becomes Champions.

Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India Clinches Victory in Men's and Women's Tournaments

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: January 20, 2025

Summary: The Indian Men’s and Women’s Kho Kho team became champions by defending Nepal.

On the same day, India's history was duplicated as the men's team defeated Nepal 54-36 in a thrilling final to win the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, replicating the feat of their female counterparts.

The Indian women's team won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, defeating Nepal 78-40 on Sunday.

Turn 1 began quickly, with the Indian attackers seizing control of the situation. Three batches of Nepal women were out on seven occasions due to slight touches, giving India 14 point

With numerous touch points to her name, skipper Priyanka Ingle was in top form as the hosts got off to a great start. This was sufficient to get the Women in Blue to 34 points and keep the Nepal team from making a single Dream Run.

However, it didn't last long since a few seconds later, Dipa finished the ALL OUT. Although this helped the team get back into the game, they were behind 11 points at the interval and only managed to collect 24 points by the end of Turn 2.

In Turn 3, the Indian women's team dominated once more, preventing the Nepal defense from settling into a rhythm. Despite being a regular for Nepal, BK Dipa's efforts were in vain, as the Indians came closer to winning the trophy.

In Turn 4, Chaithra staged India's Dream Run, which increased the score to an incredible 78 points. Their team played for an incredible 5 minutes and 14 seconds, ending the match and making India the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup champions.

Similarly, the Indian men’s team put on a dominant display in the last game, with captain Pratik Waikar and standout player Ramji Kashyap demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Ramji Kashyap captured Nepal's Suraj Pujara with a spectacular skydive in the initial attack. Within four minutes, Suyash Gargate's successful touch on Bharat Sahu gave India ten points.

The Indian team's outstanding skydives in Turn 1 gave them a commanding 26-0 advantage, which essentially stopped Nepal from gaining any ground.

Although Nepal strengthened its defense and stopped India from making a Dream Run in Turn 2, they were unable to match India's zeal. The combination of Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar kept India up 26–18 at the break, despite many touches from Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara.

With a one-figure lead giving India the slight advantage, the home team went into overdrive in Turn 3 to score an incredible 28 points, soaring to a seemingly unbeatable 54-18.

Under the guidance of Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, India's defense held firm in Turn 4, despite Nepal's resolute attempts to mount a comeback. Mehul and Suman Barman made significant contributions.

India defeated Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan easily in the group stages, then defeated South Africa in the semifinals after putting on a strong show against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.