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India is poised to make history as both teams aim for gold at this global event, marking a new chapter in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian game to a world sport.
NEW DELHI: The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has revealed the men’s and women’s squads for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, set to take place from January 13 to 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The tournament will see 23 countries competing, with 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams participating.
Pratik Waikar, an Eklavya Award winner and experienced Kho Kho player, will captain the Indian men’s team. Waikar, who began playing the sport at the age of eight, has represented India since 2016. His achievements include leading the Telugu Yoddhas to the finals in the Ultimate Kho Kho League and securing a gold medal for Maharashtra at the 56th Senior National Championship.
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“It’s a dream come true to lead India in the first World Cup. Representing our country on home soil is the greatest achievement of my career,” said Waikar after the announcement.
The men’s team will be coached by Ashwani Kumar Sharma, a seasoned mentor with over five decades of experience. Sharma previously led India to gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and guided Odisha Juggernauts to victory in the first season of Ultimate Kho Kho. Recognized as Delhi’s best coach in 2014, Sharma brings invaluable expertise to the squad.
The women’s team will be captained by Priyanka Ingle, a seasoned player with over 15 years of experience and 23 National Championships under her belt. Ingle’s accolades include the Ila Award, Rani Laxmi Bai Award, and a gold medal at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship.
“It’s an honor to lead the team in this historic tournament. I will give my best to justify the trust placed in me and aim to bring home the gold,” said Ingle.
Sumit Bhatia will coach the women’s team. Bhatia has a proven track record with multiple national and international victories, including gold medals at the 3rd Asian Kho Kho Championship and the 12th South Asian Games.
KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal highlighted the significance of the event. “This is a landmark moment for Kho Kho. Hosting the first-ever World Cup with 23 countries participating showcases the global rise of this traditional Indian sport. Under the leadership of Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle, we are confident of a strong performance,” he said.
Shri MS Tyagi, KKFI General Secretary, added, “The meticulous selection process ensures we have the best talent representing India. With world-class facilities at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, we are ready to deliver a tournament that sets new benchmarks for the sport.”
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The Indian squads were finalized after an intensive training camp held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, from December 10, 2024. The KKFI Selection Committee, headed by Shri Mittal and Shri Tyagi, selected the final 15 players for each team from a pool of 60 men and 60 women.
Men’s Team:
Players: Pratik Waikar (Captain), Prabani Sabar, Mehul, Sachin Bhargo, Suyash Gargate, Ramji Kashyap, Siva Pothir Reddy, Aditya Ganpule, Gowtham M.K., Nikhil B, Akash Kumar, Subramani V., Suman Barman, Aniket Pote, S. Rokeson Singh.
Standby: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil, Vishwanath Janakiram.
Women’s Team:
Players: Priyanka Ingle (Captain), Ashwini Shinde, Reshma Rathore, Bhilar Devjibhai, Nirmala Bhati, Neeta Devi, Chaithra R., Subhashree Sing, Magai Majhi, Anshu Kumari, Vaishnavi Bajrang, Nasreen Shaikh, Meenu, Monika, Nazia Bibi.
Standby: Sampada More, Ritika Siloriya, Priyanka Bhopi.
India is poised to make history as both teams aim for gold at this global event, marking a new chapter in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian game to a world sport.
