New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian sports, Team India claimed the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup title with a commanding 54-36 victory over Nepal in the final.
The championship match, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, showcased India’s dominance and marked a significant milestone for the sport’s global recognition.
The Men in Blue, led by captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap, delivered a masterclass in speed, strategy, and precision.
The victory was part of a double triumph for India, as the women’s team also defeated Nepal in the final with an emphatic 78-40 win.
The grand finale was attended by several prominent dignitaries, underscoring the event’s importance. Among them were former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Shri Pankaj Mithal, and Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju.
Odisha’s Sports Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, International Kho Kho Federation President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, and RSS Joint General Secretary Shri Krishna Gopal ji also graced the occasion. Their presence highlighted Kho Kho’s transformation from a traditional Indian game to a globally recognized sport, with aspirations for inclusion in future Olympic Games.
India set the tone early in Turn 1, with Ramji Kashyap executing a spectacular sky dive to dismiss Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate added to the momentum, touching Bharat Sahu to score 10 points in just four minutes.
The aggressive start ended with India leading 26-0, leaving Nepal struggling to recover.
In Turn 2, Nepal managed to resist India’s dream run but couldn’t close the gap. Aditya Ganpule and Pratik Waikar continued to shine, securing India a 26-18 lead by halftime.
Turn 3 saw India at their peak, with Waikar and Kashyap delivering flawless performances. Supported by Aditya Ganpule’s agility, the team extended their lead to 54-18.
Despite a spirited effort by Nepal in Turn 4, led by Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India’s defense proved unbreachable. Sachin Bhargo, known as “Chingari,” along with Mehul and Suman Barman, ensured the lead was maintained until the final whistle, sealing the victory at 54-36.
India’s path to the championship was marked by dominance and consistency. The team defeated Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages before eliminating Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals.
Best Attacker of the Match: Suyash Gargate (India)
Best Defender of the Match: Rohit Burma (Nepal)
Best Player of the Match: Mehul (India)
The inaugural has cemented India’s position as a powerhouse in the sport while paving the way for its global expansion. The triumph stands as a testament to the skill, determination, and teamwork of the players, who have brought glory to the nation.
