Both the men’s and women’s teams of India triumphed in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, held Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi recently.

Both the teams defeated their counterparts from Nepal, first the women’s team winning by a score of 78-40 followed by the men’s team winning 54-36.

For India, Ramji Kashyap from the men’s team and B Chaithra from the women’s team were the standout players.

The landmark tournament, held from January 13-19, featured 23 nations from six continents, with 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams competing in a dynamic seven-a-side format.

In the women’s final, captain Priyanka Ingle set the tone with multiple touch points in Turn 1, while a remarkable Dream Run by B Chaithra in Turn 4, lasting over five minutes, sealed the victory.

Their journey to the title included dominant group-stage wins against South Korea, Iran and Malaysia, followed by resounding victories over Bangladesh in the quarter-finals, South Africa in the semi-finals and finally, Nepal in the final.

The men’s team replicated their women counterparts, with captain Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap playing pivotal roles. Waikar’s exceptional skills and Kashyap’s spectacular skydives kept Nepal under pressure.

India established a commanding 26-point lead in Turn 1 and, despite Nepal’s efforts to rally in Turn 4, the Indian defence, led by Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, remained unshakable.

The men’s team defeated Nepal, Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stage, Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, South Africa in the semi-finals and Nepal in the final.

The success of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 marks a major milestone in the sport’s history, bringing global recognition to one of India’s oldest traditional games. This achievement is expected to ignite a new wave of interest in kho kho, inspiring young athletes across the nation and contributing to its continued growth and popularity.