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Overview of Kho Kho World Cup 2025

The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 marks a historic milestone for this traditional Indian sport, taking place from January 13 to January 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This inaugural tournament will feature a total of 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams from various countries, showcasing kho kho on an international platform.

Kho kho, known for its speed, agility, and teamwork, is set to gain global recognition through this event. The tournament aims not only to promote the sport but also to unite diverse cultures through athletic competition.

Source: Youtube

Key Highlights

  • Dates: January 13-19, 2025
  • Location: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
  • Participants: 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams from around the world
  • Governing Body: Sports Authority of India (SAI)

The event will kick off with an opening ceremony followed by matches that will captivate audiences both in the stadium and at home.

History of Kho Kho

History of Kho Kho

Image Source: khokhochampions.com

Kho kho is one of India's oldest traditional sports, with origins that can be traced back to ancient times, possibly as far back as the Mahabharata. The game has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from informal play to organized competitions.

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Traditional Roots

The game is believed to have been inspired by military tactics used in ancient Indian warfare. The strategies involved in kho kho reflect the defensive and offensive maneuvers seen in historical battles.

Evolution and Formalization

  • The first recorded kho kho competition took place in 1914, marking the beginning of organized play.
  • In 1955, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) was established to oversee the sport's development.
  • The first national championship was held in 1959, further solidifying kho kho's status as a competitive sport.

International Recognition

The establishment of the Asian Kho Kho Federation in 1987 paved the way for international competitions, with countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan participating in regional tournaments.

Significance of the World Cup

Significance of the World Cup

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The Kho Kho World Cup is significant for several reasons:

Global Outreach

This tournament serves as a platform to promote kho kho beyond India's borders, encouraging participation from various countries and fostering international relations through sport.

Cultural Exchange

The event will facilitate cultural exchange among participating nations, allowing athletes to share their traditions and experiences while competing on a global stage.

Youth Engagement

By showcasing kho kho at this level, the tournament aims to inspire younger generations to engage with traditional sports, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.

Potential Olympic Inclusion

The World Cup could be a stepping stone toward kho kho's inclusion in future Olympic Games, further elevating its status as a competitive sport.

Tournament Format

The tournament will follow a structured format consisting of two main stages: group play and knockout rounds.

Group Stage

  • Teams are divided into groups where they compete against each other.
  • Each team plays every other team in its group once.
  • The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

Knockout Stage

  • The knockout stage includes quarter-finals followed by semi-finals.
  • The winners of the semi-finals will compete in the final match to determine the champion.

This format ensures that every team has multiple opportunities to showcase their skills while maintaining excitement throughout the tournament.

Teams

Men's Teams

GroupTeams
AIndia, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, Bhutan
BSouth Africa, Ghana, Argentina, Netherlands, Iran
CBangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, United States, Poland
DEngland, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya

Women's Teams

GroupTeams
AIndia, South Korea, Iran, Malaysia
BEngland, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Netherlands
CNepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Bangladesh
DSouth Africa, New Zealand, Poland, Peru, Indonesia

Men’s Matches Schedule

The men's matches will commence on January 13, featuring a series of exciting games. Here is a detailed schedule:

DateMatchGroupTime (IST)
Jan 13, MonIndia vs NepalA8:30 PM
Jan 14, TueSouth Africa vs GhanaB10:30 AM
Jan 14, TueBangladesh vs Sri LankaC11:15 AM
Jan 14, TueEngland vs GermanyD11:15 AM
Jan 14, TueGhana vs NetherlandsB11:15 AM
Jan 14, TuePeru vs BhutanA12:30 PM
Jan 14, TueArgentina vs IranB1:00 PM
Jan 14, TueSouth Korea vs PolandC2:45 PM
Jan 14, TueMalaysia vs KenyaD4:00 PM
Jan 14, TueSouth Africa vs NetherlandsB4:30 PM
Jan 14, TueBangladesh vs USAC5:15 PM
Jan 14, TueEngland vs AustraliaD6:30 PM
Jan 14, TueNepal vs PeruA6:30 PM
Jan 14, TueGhana vs ArgentinaB7:45 PM
Jan 14, TueIndia vs BrazilA8:15 PM
Jan 15, WedSri Lanka vs USAC10:30 AM
Jan 15, WedAustralia vs KenyaD11:00 AM
Jan 15, WedNepal vs BrazilA11:15 AM
Jan 15, WedGhana vs NetherlandsB11:15 AM
Jan 15, WedGermany vs AustraliaD10:00 AM
Jan 15, WedBangladesh vs South KoreaC12:30 PM
Jan 15, WedSouth Africa vs ArgentinaB2:45 PM
Jan 15, WedEngland vs MalaysiaD3:15 PM
Jan 15, WedBrazil vs BhutanA5:15 PM
Jan 15, WedNetherlands vs IranB5:15 PM
Jan 15, WedSri Lanka vs South KoreaC7:45 PM
Jan 15, WedIndia vs PeruA8:15 PM
Jan 16, ThuNepal vs BhutanA9:15 AM
Jan 16, ThuGhana vs IranB8:45 AM
Jan 16, ThuGermany vs KenyaD10:30 AM
Jan 16, ThuSri Lanka vs PolandC10:00 AM
Jan 16, ThuPeru vs BrazilA11:15 AM
Jan 16, ThuMalaysia vs AustraliaD12:30 PM
Jan 16, ThuSouth Korea vs USAC3:15 PM
Jan 16, ThuBangladesh vs PolandC5:45 PM
Jan 16, ThuIndia vs BhutanA8:15 PM
Jan 17, FriQuarter-finals-11:45 AM onwards
Jan 18, SatSemi-finals-5:45 PM onwards
Jan 19, SunFinal-8:15 PM

Each match will be crucial as teams vie for a spot in the knockout rounds.

Women’s Matches Schedule

The women's matches will kick off on January 14 with an equally thrilling lineup:

DateMatchGroupTime (IST)
Jan 14, TueEngland vs AustraliaB11:45 AM
Jan 14, TueNepal vs BhutanC10:00 AM
Jan 14, TueSouth Africa vs New ZealandD10:00 AM
Jan 14, TueSri Lanka vs BangladeshC12:30 PM
Jan 14, TueKenya vs NetherlandsB3:15 PM
Jan 14, TueEngland vs UgandaB5:45 PM
Jan 14, TueIndia vs South KoreaA7:00 PM
Jan 14, TueSouth Africa vs PeruD5:15 PM
Jan 14, TueNepal vs GermanyC4:00 PM
Jan 14, TueIran vs MalaysiaA7:45 PM
Jan 15, WedAustralia vs UgandaB10:00 AM
Jan 15, WedEngland vs KenyaB12:30 PM
Jan 15, WedUganda vs NetherlandsB4:00 PM
Jan 15, WedNepal vs Sri LankaC2:45 PM
Jan 15, WedGermany vs BangladeshC6:30 PM
Jan 15, WedPeru vs IndonesiaD6:30 PM
Jan 15, WedMalaysia vs South KoreaA7:45 PM
Jan 15, WedBhutan vs GermanyC11:45 AM
Jan 15, WedNew Zealand vs PeruD1:00 PM
Jan 15, WedSouth Africa vs PolandD4:30 PM
Jan 15, WedIndia vs IranA7:00 PM
Jan 16, ThuBhutan vs BangladeshC8:45 AM
Jan 16, ThuKenya vs UgandaB11:15 AM
Jan 16, ThuNew Zealand vs IndonesiaD11:45 AM
Jan 16, ThuNepal vs BangladeshC4:30 PM
Jan 16, ThuSri Lanka vs GermanyC1:00 PM
Jan 16, ThuIndia vs MalaysiaA7:00 PM
Jan 16, ThuSouth Africa vs IndonesiaD6:30 PM
Jan 16, ThuBhutan vs Sri LankaC7:45 PM
Jan 16, ThuIran vs South KoreaA4:00 PM
Jan 16, ThuPoland vs PeruD12:30 PM
Jan 16, ThuAustralia vs NetherlandsB10:00 AM
Jan 16, ThuEngland vs NetherlandsB4:00 PM
Jan 16, ThuAustralia vs KenyaB5:15 PM
Jan 16, ThuNew Zealand vs PolandD6:30 PM
Jan 17, FriQuarter-finals-10:30 AM onwards
Jan 18, SatSemi-finals-4:30 PM onwards
Jan 19, SunFinal-7:00 PM

These matches will showcase some of the best female athletes competing at an international level.

Venue

Venue

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The entire tournament will take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, which is well-equipped to host large-scale sporting events.

Venue Features:

  • Capacity: The stadium can accommodate thousands of spectators.
  • Facilities: It includes modern amenities for players and fans alike.

Hosting such a prestigious event at this venue underscores India's commitment to promoting traditional sports on a global scale.

Brand Ambassador of Kho Kho World Cup 2025

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has taken on a pivotal role as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, which kicked off today, January 13, 2025, in New Delhi. This landmark event is set to elevate the profile of kho kho, a traditional Indian sport, on a global stage.

Source: Youtube

Live Streaming and Telecast Details

Fans around the world can catch all the action live:

Television Broadcast:

  • The tournament will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India.

Online Streaming:

  • Live streaming will be available for free on Disney+ Hotstar, allowing fans to watch matches from anywhere.

This accessibility ensures that kho kho reaches a broader audience, enhancing its visibility and popularity.

Key Players to Watch

As with any major sporting event, certain players are expected to shine during the tournament:

Men’s Division:

  1. Pratik Waikar (India) - Team captain known for his leadership skills and agility.
  2. Amit Kumar (Nepal) - An emerging talent with impressive speed and strategy.
  3. James Smith (Australia) - Renowned for his tactical prowess on the field.

Women’s Division:

  1. Priyanka Ingle (India) - A versatile player with extensive experience.
  2. Fatima Khan (South Africa) - Known for her defensive skills and quick reflexes.
  3. Maya Patel (England) - A player who excels in both offense and defense.

These athletes are expected to make significant contributions to their teams' performances throughout the tournament.

Rules of Kho Kho

Understanding the rules is essential for appreciating how kho kho is played:

  1. Team Composition: Each team consists of nine players.
  2. Game Duration: A match consists of two innings lasting nine minutes each.
  3. Chasing and Defending:
    • One team chases while the other defends.
    • The chasing team aims to touch members of the defending team within a designated area.
  4. Scoring: Points are scored by successfully touching opponents while avoiding being touched.

These rules create an exciting dynamic that emphasizes speed, strategy, and teamwork among players.

Kho Kho World Cup Mobile League App

The Kho Kho World Cup Mobile League is a mobile gaming application that allows fans and players to engage with the sport of kho kho in a fun and interactive way. As the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup unfolds from January 13 to January 19, 2025, this game provides an opportunity for users to experience the thrill of kho kho matches right from their smartphones.

Source: Youtube

Download Kho Kho World Cup Mobile League App for Android
Download Kho Kho World Cup Mobile League App for iOS

Fan Engagement Activities

To enhance viewer experience during the tournament, several fan engagement activities are planned:

  1. Social Media Campaigns: Fans can participate in contests using hashtags like #KhoKhoWorldCup2025 on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

  2. Interactive Sessions: Live Q&A sessions with players and coaches will be organized before and during the tournament.

  3. Merchandise Sales: Official merchandise such as jerseys and memorabilia will be available for fans to purchase online.

These activities aim to foster community engagement and create a festive atmosphere around the event.

Conclusion

The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 promises to be an exhilarating event that showcases athletic talent while promoting cultural exchange through sport. As teams from various countries come together to compete, fans can look forward to an exciting week filled with thrilling matches that highlight kho kho's rich heritage on a global stage.

This tournament represents not just a competition but also an opportunity for growth, recognition, and inspiration for future generations interested in traditional sports like kho kho. As we embark on this historic journey starting today, let’s celebrate this unique sport together!

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