India's Kho Kho Heroes: Men and Women Crowned World Champions!

In an unforgettable night of sportsmanship and celebration, India’s men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams wrote their names in history by winning the first ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi. Both teams emerged victorious in thrilling finals, defeating Nepal in commanding fashion, marking their place as global champions in this newly established tournament.A Dominant Display by Both TeamsThe Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi was filled with electric energy as both Indian teams gave stellar performances, sealing India’s place as the undisputed champion of Kho Kho on the world stage. The men's team defeated Nepal with a score of 54-36, while the women’s team triumphed with a dominant 78-40 victory.Men’s Final: A Swift, Powerful AttackThe men’s final saw Nepal win the toss and choose to defend first. However, India made an explosive start, taking the lead right from the first turn. They raced to a 26-0 advantage, leaving Nepal with little room to breathe.Despite Nepal’s resilience in Turn 2, where they closed the gap to 26-18, India’s defense stood tall. In Turn 3, India shifted into high gear, dominating Nepal and extending their lead to an almost insurmountable 54-18. Nepal mounted a last-ditch effort in the final turn, but it was too little, too late. India’s comprehensive performance throughout the tournament secured them the Kho Kho World Cup title, and the victory capped off an undefeated journey.India’s march to the finals was nothing short of spectacular. They defeated Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals and South Africa in the semi-finals, proving their dominance on the world stage.Source: Google Images Women’s Final: Relentless Attack and Steely DefenseIn the women’s final, Nepal won the toss and asked India to attack first—a decision they would come to regret. India took full advantage of the opportunity, quickly eliminating Nepal’s first batch of defenders in under a minute. Captain Priyanka Ingle led the charge with her remarkable performance, helping India to a commanding 34-0 lead after Turn 1.Nepal tried to regroup in Turn 2, managing to close the gap to 35-24, but India’s unyielding defense and relentless attack ensured that the hosts remained firmly i control. By Turn 3, India eliminated over six batches of defenders and pushing the lead to a commanding 73-24.In the final turn, the Indian defenders shut down any hopes of a comeback, running tight shifts to ensure a comfortable win. The 78-40 scoreline showcased their dominance throughout the tournament. The women’s team, like the men’s, remained unbeaten, making their journey to the finals as flawless as their performance in the final.Both the men’s and women’s teams’ triumphs highlight India’s increasing dominance in Kho Kho, a sport that has long been cherished but is now gaining international recognition.The Kho Kho World Cup, which featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams from across the globe, was a major milestone in the sport’s history. The backing of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has ensured the tournament’s success, and the overwhelming response from spectators has set the stage for Kho Kho’s growth on the world stage.Prime Minister’s Congratulations and Future HopesFollowing the historic wins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both teams, praising their incredible performances. He emphasized how these wins not only marked a significant achievement in Indian sports but also set a shining example for future generations of athletes. As the world looks to the future of Kho Kho, India stands tall as the undisputed champion, having made its mark in this exciting, fast-paced game.