New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian sports, the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will be held at the Thyagraj Stadium in the national capital from January 13 to 19 next year. The tournament organisers announced the historic move on Wednesday.
It promises a proud moment for the country as the event will showcase India’s indigenous sport on the global stage.
During the announcement ceremony, Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India played an exhibition match in which the former ran out 26-24 winners.
The World Cup’s official logo and tagline #TheWorldGoesKho was also unveiled during the ceremony.
From dusty grounds to a national stage, Kho Kho’s rise is unstoppable 💥#KhoKhoWorldCup @KKFIOfficial pic.twitter.com/phE7TXXqB6
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) October 16, 2024
Kho Kho, a game most of us have played, has been a part of our growing up, let’s unite and celebrate as we welcome the world to experience its thrill, in our great nation from 13th to 19th January 2025 at IG Stadium, New Delhi! pic.twitter.com/0kgbE6xCtN
— Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) October 16, 2024
Thrilled to be part of history in the making, the Logo launch ceremony for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, along with other esteemed dignitaries!
With 24 countries from 6 continents, this global event will proudly showcase Bharat’s sporting prowess on an international stage. pic.twitter.com/dEtNTMIRli
— Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) October 16, 2024
24 nations to participate in the inaugural edition
The inauguration will feature an impressive line-up of 24 participating nations, with both men’s and women’s teams battling it out for supremacy.
16 teams will feature in each division, setting the stage for an intense battle.
“Kho Kho is a sport of our country’s mud. So, we are very proud to bring this sport to the mat. A big thank you to the federation which has worked hard to ensure that Kho Kho becomes an international sport,” Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Sudhanshu Mittal said.
“We first brought the sport to its fans through the Ultimate Kho Kho League, and now, it is time to take things to the next step with the first Kho Kho World Cup,” he added.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse also graced the event. She emphasised the need to promote sports that are indigenous to the country and termed the hosting of the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup in 2025 as a step in that direction.
