Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India beats Nepal in thrilling opening match

NEW DELHI: India started their Kho Kho World Cup 2025 campaign with a thrilling 42-37 victory over Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Monday, giving the host nation a perfect start to their title bid.

India’s dominant performance in the early stages set the tone, as captain Pratik Waikar led the charge. Within the first 60 seconds of Turn 1, India dismissed Nepal’s first three defenders. Waikar and Ramji Kashyap’s impressive flying jumps helped India build a 14-point lead within three minutes of the game.

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In a crucial moment, Sachin Bhargo replaced Waikar as the ‘Wazir’ and executed a stunning skydive that propelled India to 24 points by halftime. This feat also prevented Nepal from achieving a ‘Dream Run,’ in which defenders survive three minutes without leaving the mat to earn points.

Nepal, however, fought back with determination. In Turn 2, all-rounder Jogendra Rana’s spectacular dives helped Nepal score 20 points. Despite this, India held onto their lead. Nepal’s Bharat Saru made history by achieving the first ‘Dream Run’ of the tournament, but India continued to extend their advantage, moving from 24 to 42 points.

Nepal’s Jhalak BK made a late push in Turn 4, cutting the deficit to just five points, but it wasn’t enough. India clinched the win, marking a strong start in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

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In individual accolades, Siva Reddy was named Best Attacker of the Match for India, while Nepal’s Rohit Kumar earned Best Defender. Aditya Ganpule of India was awarded Best Player of the Match for his all-around performance, helping the team secure a commanding victory.