The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup took place from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India. Organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation, the tournament featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from 23 countries across six continents. This tournament marked a significant milestone in promoting Kho Kho on a global stage, with participation from countries across six continents. Both Indian teams remained undefeated throughout the competition, highlighting their dominance in the sport.
Tournament Format:
- Group Stage: Teams were divided into four groups, engaging in a round-robin format. The men’s groups consisted of five teams each, while the women’s groups had four to five teams.
- Knockout Stage: The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout rounds, culminating in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.
Final Results:
- Men’s Final: India clinched the title by defeating Nepal with a score of 54-36.
- Women’s Final: The Indian women’s team secured victory over Nepal, winning 78-40.
Notable Highlights:
- Both Indian teams remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
- The event marked a significant step in promoting Kho Kho on an international platform, with participation from countries including the USA, England, Germany, and Australia.
Men’s Tournament Highlights:
- Quarter-finals:
- Iran defeated Kenya 86-18.
- Nepal triumphed over Bangladesh 67-18.
- South Africa won against England 58-38.
- India overpowered Sri Lanka 100-40.
- Semi-finals:
- Nepal secured a 72-20 victory over Iran.
- India defeated South Africa 62-42.
- Final: India clinched the title by defeating Nepal 54-36.
Women’s Tournament Highlights:
Final: India’s women’s team emerged victorious over Nepal with a 78-40 score line.
Quarter-finals:
Uganda beat New Zealand 71-26.
South Africa edged out Kenya 51-46.
Nepal dominated Iran 103-8.
India overwhelmed Bangladesh 109-16.
Semi-finals:
Nepal defeated Uganda 89-18.
India won against South Africa 66-16.
Participating countries of Kho-Kho world cup 2025
Asia:
- India
- Nepal
- Iran
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
Africa:
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Uganda
Europe:
- England
- Germany
North America:
- United States of America (USA)
- Canada
South America:
- Brazil
- Argentina
Oceania:
- Australia
- New Zealand
History of Kho-Kho
Kho Kho is a traditional Indian sport that dates back thousands of years. Known for its speed, agility, and teamwork, it is deeply rooted in the rural culture of India. Here’s a detailed history of the game:
Ancient Origins:
- Roots in Indian Epics: Kho Kho traces its origins to ancient India, with references to physical activities resembling the game found in Indian epics like the Mahabharata. It is believed that warriors used such games to develop agility and tactics.
- Traditional Pastime: The game was played informally in villages, often on open fields, with no fixed rules.
Development of Modern Kho Kho:
- Maharashtra’s Contribution: The modern form of Kho Kho originated in the state of Maharashtra in the early 20th century. The game was structured with a set of rules and a formal playing field.
- First Rules Drafted: The Deccan Gymkhana in Pune played a pivotal role in standardizing the rules of the game in 1914, laying the foundation for competitive play.
Growth and Formal Recognition:
- All-India Tournaments: The first All-India Kho Kho Championship was organized in 1928, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity.
- Formation of Federations:
- The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) was established in 1955 to promote and regulate the game across the country.
- The sport gained recognition at the national level, with the first National Kho Kho Championship held in 1959.
International Expansion:
- Asian Recognition: Kho Kho gained international attention when it was included in the Asian Games 1987 as a demonstration sport in New Delhi, India.
- International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF): Established in 2017, this body oversees the sport’s promotion worldwide.
- Global Tournaments: The first Kho Kho World Cup was organized in 2025, featuring teams from six continents, further solidifying its global reach.
Cultural Significance:
Kho Kho reflects the values of teamwork, discipline, and strategy and is celebrated for its ability to build physical fitness and coordination. Its simplicity and excitement have ensured its continued popularity, especially in schools and rural areas.
Key Features of the Game:
- Team Sport: Played between two teams of 12 players, with 9 players taking the field at a time.
- Objective: One team chases (defenders) while the other tries to avoid being touched (runners).
- Dynamic Play: The game involves quick turns, sprints, and tactical coordination, making it highly engaging.
