The Indian Kho Kho teams etched their names in the annals of sporting history by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Women in Blue Shine Bright
The Indian women’s team delivered a stellar performance, defeating Nepal in a thrilling final with a commanding score of 78-40. The Women in Blue showcased a masterclass in agility, strategy, and teamwork, leaving their opponents with little chance to recover.
From the opening turn, India asserted dominance, with the attackers swiftly touching out seven Nepali players in just three batches, earning 14 points. Skipper Priyanka Ingle led from the front, contributing significantly to India’s early advantage with multiple touch points.
Nepal’s players struggled to counter India’s relentless pressure and were unable to initiate a single Dream Run throughout the game. This consistent aggression allowed India to establish an unassailable 34-point lead in the first turn, paving the way for their historic victory.
Men’s Team Follows Suit
Not to be outdone, the Indian men’s team also triumphed over Nepal in the final, claiming the title with a 54-36 victory. The Men in Blue, led by captain Pratik Waikar, demonstrated their superiority in the game with stellar contributions from tournament standout Ramji Kashyap.
Their calculated approach and impeccable execution left the Nepali team struggling to keep pace, as India controlled the game from start to finish.
A Historic Event
The grand finale of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup was graced by an array of distinguished guests, reflecting the significance of the occasion. Among those in attendance were former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Shri Pankaj Mithal, and the Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju.
Adding to the event’s prestige were Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Minister of Sports & Youth Services, International Kho Kho Federation President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Shri Krishna Gopal.
Their presence underscored the pivotal moment in Kho Kho’s journey from a cherished Indian tradition to a burgeoning global sport. The success of this event bolsters aspirations for Kho Kho to achieve recognition as an Olympic discipline.
A New Chapter for Kho Kho
The twin victories by the Indian teams have not only highlighted their dominance on the world stage but also marked a turning point for Kho Kho’s global expansion. The inaugural World Cup stands as a testament to the sport’s potential to unite nations through its unique blend of speed, skill, and strategy.
As the Women in Blue and Men in Blue celebrate their historic victories, the world now eagerly awaits the next chapter in Kho Kho’s remarkable journey.
