New Delhi: The Indian women’s kho kho team etched their names in history by clinching the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
In a commanding performance, the Women in Blue dominated their Nepalese rivals, securing a decisive 78-40 victory in the final.
From the very start, the Indian team showcased unparalleled speed, strategy, and teamwork. In Turn 1, India’s attackers outmaneuvered Nepal with precision, earning 14 points in just three batches and eliminating Nepal’s defenders seven times with ease.
Skipper Priyanka Ingle led from the front, her swift touches propelling India to a staggering 34-point total while preventing Nepal from securing a single Dream Run.
Nepal fought back in Turn 2, with Manmati Dhami taking out key Indian players like Vaishnavi Pawar, and Samjhana B eliminating Priyanka Ingle.
Dipa’s efforts for Nepal led to an ALL OUT, narrowing the gap slightly. However, by halftime, India still maintained a solid 11-point lead with a scoreline of 35-24.
In Turn 3, India tightened their grip on the game, stifling Nepal’s attempts to gain momentum. Despite Nepal’s best efforts, including a consistent performance by Dipa BK, India’s relentless attacking left no room for a comeback.
The final nail in the coffin came in Turn 4, where Chaithra B orchestrated a Dream Run that lasted an incredible 5 minutes and 14 seconds.
This remarkable feat catapulted India to an unassailable score of 78, sealing their status as the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup champions.
India’s journey to glory was marked by dominant victories over South Korea, IR Iran, and Malaysia in the group stages, followed by a quarterfinal win against Bangladesh and a semi-final triumph over South Africa.
This historic achievement not only crowns India as the world champions but also elevates kho kho—a cherished indigenous sport—to the global stage.
Match Awards
Best Attacker of the Match: Anshu Kumari (India)
Best Defender of the Match: Manmati Dhami (Nepal)
Best Player of the Match: Chaithra B (India)
India’s victory is a watershed moment, inspiring a new era of recognition and respect for kho kho worldwide.