The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup will be held at the IGI Stadium in New Delhi from January 13 to 19 next year. The landmark event seeks to showcase India’s indigenous sport on an international platform.
The World Cup’s official logo along with the tagline #TheWorldGoesKho was unveiled during the event on Wednesday.
The unveiling ceremony was marked by a captivating exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India, where Maharashtra narrowly clinched victory with a score of 26-24.
Set to elevate Kho Kho’s status on the global sporting landscape, the tournament will feature an impressive line-up of 24 nations, with both men’s and women’s teams competing for the title.
The meet includes 16 teams in each division, setting the stage for an intense battle.
“Kho Kho is a sport of our country’s mud. So, we are very proud to bring this sport to the mat. A big thank you to the federation which has worked hard to ensure that Kho Kho becomes an international sport,” Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Sudhanshu Mittal said.
“We introduced the sport to fans through the Ultimate Kho Kho League, and now, we’re ready to take it to the next level with the first Kho Kho World Cup,” he said.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, graced the event as the chief guest.
“Kho Kho has been a part of our country’s history from the time of the Mahabharata. The government of India has been promoting many indigenous games, and hosting the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup in 2025 is a step in that direction,” she said.
ALSO READ: Arunachal Pradesh: Three athletes win bronze at 8th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship
The Kho Kho World Cup is a momentous occasion for Indian sports, marking the dawn of a new era where traditional games can gain global prominence and inspire future generations of athletes.
