Synopsis
The Kho Kho Federation of India celebrates India's dual victory at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup. President Sudhanshu Mittal highlights the sport's resurgence, plans for future tournaments, and the importance of National Games participation for player development.Key Takeaways
- Kho Kho World Cup concluded with India winning both titles.
- Event hosted at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
- Next tournament to be held in Birmingham in 2026-27.
- Emphasis on player participation in National Games.
- Kho Kho is set to expand to 90 countries.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) celebrated the successful hosting of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where India claimed its first title in both the men's and women's divisions on Sunday.
KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal expressed that the sport, which has its roots in India, has now picked up momentum at full speed and shows no signs of slowing down.
“My heart is full. Today I feel Kho Kho has finally reached the level it deserves. Such an ancient sport was fading, but when the Prime Minister congratulated us on our victory, I felt we have achieved recognition. Kho Kho has now caught momentum at full speed and it will not stop,” he told IANS on Monday.
The Indian men's team showcased their dominance in the final against Nepal, achieving a decisive 54-36 victory, thanks to stellar performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They were joined by the women's team, who also triumphed over Nepal in another impressive final, concluding with a score of 78-40.
Following the successful event, the president announced that the next edition of the tournament is set to occur in England in 2026-27, with the Kho Kho Federation of England issuing a challenge to India.
“The next World Cup will be held in Birmingham in 2026-27. The Kho Kho Federation of England has challenged us to host the tournament even better than we did. Personally, I wish to lose this challenge and hope that the event surpasses ours in grandeur,” he added.
The journey to the championship for the Indian men's team was remarkable. India displayed their prowess throughout the tournament, starting with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their winning streak continued through the knockout rounds, where they defeated Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and overcame a formidable South African team in the semifinals.
On the women's side, their triumph included impressive wins over South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia in the group stages, followed by victories against Bangladesh in the quarter-finals and a dominant performance against South Africa in the semi-finals.
“The experience of the game was incredibly positive for them... Our traditional hospitality is unmatched, and when they experienced it, they remarked that they had never encountered anything like it; it was unforgettable. I take great pride in promoting India's traditions and values. This sport, currently played in 55 countries, is expected to expand to 90 countries by the end of this year,” Mittal added.
The KKFI president emphasized that all players will participate in the upcoming National Games to sharpen their skills.
“We regard the National Games with utmost seriousness because they are at the national level. How can athletes improve if they do not participate in such games? The Federation insists that players must engage in the tournament,” he concluded.
The 38th National Games will take place in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025. This grand event will unite the best athletes from across the country to compete in a total of 36 sporting disciplines, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
