India Prepares to Host Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi

The Indian men’s and women’s teams for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 have been unveiled, with a 15-member squad for each team set to represent the country in the prestigious tournament. The event is scheduled to commence on January 13 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Tournament Overview

Organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from across the globe. The tournament will kick off with group stages, followed by knockout rounds. The finals for both categories are scheduled for January 19.

Group Stage Assignments

The Indian men’s team is part of Group A alongside Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan. The women’s team shares Group A with Iran, Malaysia, and South Korea. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals.

Indian Men’s Team: Campaign Schedule

The Indian men’s team, captained by Pratik Waikar, will open their campaign against Nepal on January 13, followed by matches against Brazil (January 14), Peru (January 15), and Bhutan (January 16). If qualified, they will play the quarter-finals on January 17, the semi-finals on January 18, and the final on January 19.

Indian Women’s Team: Campaign Schedule

The Indian women’s team, led by Priyanka Ingle, will begin their journey on January 14 against South Korea. They will face Iran on January 15 and Malaysia on January 16. The quarter-finals are slated for January 17, with the semi-finals and finals on January 18 and January 19, respectively.

Selection Process and Training Camps

Both Indian teams were finalized after an extensive training camp at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, in December 2024. These sessions focused on skill enhancement and strategic gameplay under the guidance of experienced coaches.

Meet the Captains and Coaches

The Indian men’s team will be led by Pratik Waikar, a seasoned player who debuted internationally in 2016. Waikar has previously captained the Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, leading them to the finals in 2022 and the semi-finals in 2023. The team’s coach, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, brings over five decades of coaching experience to the table.

For the women’s team, all-rounder Priyanka Ingle has been chosen as captain. Under the mentorship of head coach Sumit Bhatia, the team is primed to excel in the tournament.

A Brief History of Kho Kho on the Global Stage

Kho Kho, an indigenous Indian sport, gained global recognition when it was first demonstrated at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. The sport, along with kabaddi and mallakhamb, is celebrated for its cultural and athletic significance. The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is a testament to the growing global appeal of this traditional game.

Men’s Team Roster

• Main Squad: 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 Players: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil, Vishwanath Janakiram

Women’s Team Roster

• Main Squad: 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 Players: Sampada More, Ritika Siloriya, Priyanka Bhopi

Event Significance and Key Matches

The tournament not only showcases the athletic prowess of players but also promotes India’s rich cultural heritage through Kho Kho. Fans are eagerly awaiting the opening matches: the men’s team will face Nepal on January 13, and the women’s team will play South Korea on January 14.