India's Men's and Women's team make history by winning first Kho Kho World Cup

For the Indian teams, the first Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi was a double treat. On Sunday, January 19, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the men's team fought hard against their bitter rivals to win 54-36 after the women's team overcame Nepal 78-40 in the championship match. The initial attempt to promote India's national sport internationally was a spectacular beginning.

Throughout Kho Kho tournament, neither the men's nor women's teams lost. Following the women's team's thumping of Nepal in the championship match, the men's team quickly jumped out to a commanding lead as early as the last turn. To the joy of a crowded arena, India launched the initial offensive and applied constant pressure on Nepal. First to attack, Ramji Kashyap's spectacular skydive won Suraj Pujara of Nepal. India got off to a fantastic start with 10 points in only 4 minutes when Suyash Gargate touched Bharat Sahu.

History for India at the Kho Kho World Cup! 🇮🇳

The Women's and the Men's Team have clinched the first ever Kho Kho World Cup 🤩🏆#ISH#BlueRising#khokhoworldcup2025pic.twitter.com/Pq8TfazYpN

— Indian Sports Honours (@sportshonours) January 19, 2025

The Indian men continued their offensive rampage, making more skydives and denying Nepal even a chance to make a dream run in the first turn. India got off to a fast start, securing a 26-0 lead at the end of the first turn. In Turn 3, India was in their element and showed constant assurance. With the help of another tournament standout, Ramji Kashyap, captain Pratik Waikar dazzled on the mat with several skydives. With Aditya Ganpule playing at his peak as well, the team's combined efforts brought the score to 54-18 going into the decisive turn of the major final, guaranteeing they had enough to fend off Nepal's last offensive.

Many people supported the event

Nepal made a valiant effort to rally against Team India in Turn 4. However, the defense, this time under the leadership of Sachin Bhargo and again under Pratik Waikar, proved to be too formidable. Suman Barman and Mehul were equally excellent. The historic sports event gained importance with the presence of a distinguished group of dignitaries at the first Kho Kho World Cup finals. Judge Pankaj Mithal of the Supreme Court, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju graced the event.

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