Published By: Sanchari Das

Kho Kho World Cup India 2025: Here’s All You Need to Know About the Inaugural Edition

As 24 nations prepare to clash in India, the world eagerly awaits a spectacle that promises to be a turning point for this indigenous sport

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), in partnership with the International Kho Kho Federation, is set to make history with the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in 2025. Scheduled from January 13-19, this landmark event will be hosted in India. It will see 24 countries from six continents competing, with 16 men's and 16 women's teams battling for the coveted titles. The event will occur at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi and the Noida Indoor Stadium.

The tournament promises to showcase India's sporting heritage while fostering global unity. With this World Cup, Kho Kho steps onto the international stage, reflecting its transformation from a traditional Indian game to a worldwide phenomenon.

What Kho Kho means for India

Kho Kho is more than a sport in India—it reflects the country's cultural heritage and competitive spirit. Dating back to at least the fourth century BCE, the game has its roots in ancient traditions, with mentions in the Mahabharata. Early forms, like "Rathera," were even played on chariots.

Modern Kho Kho was formalised in 1914 by Pune's Deccan Gymkhana Club. Over the years, it has grown from local mud fields to polished mats, gaining international recognition. Today, it's played in 54 countries worldwide. The World Cup further cements its significance, aiming to unite cultures through its speed, agility, and teamwork spirit.

The road to the World Cup

In preparation for this monumental event, KKFI has launched initiatives to promote Kho Kho across India. The federation plans to introduce the sport to 200 elite schools in 10 cities to register at least 50 lakh players before the World Cup. A national camp featuring 120 players is underway to select India's representatives.

The men's and women's teams, India A and India B, will be announced on January 8. This preparation underscores India's commitment to excellence and ensures the home teams are ready to face global competition.

Trophies, mascots, and more

The KKFI recently unveiled the World Cup trophies and mascots. The blue trophy for men's champions symbolises trust and determination, while the green trophy for women's champions signifies growth and vitality. Both trophies feature intricate crystal detailing, embodying the excellence required at the highest level.

The mascots, Tejas and Tara, are gazelles representing speed, agility, and teamwork. Dressed in vibrant attire with traditional Indian motifs, they blend the sport's heritage with its modern appeal.

Global participation and partnerships

The World Cup features a league-cum-knockout format with 615 players and 125 support staff participating. Notable countries include the USA, England, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain due to visa issues, but hopes are high for their inclusion.

Strategic partnerships ensure a world-class event. Star Sports and Doordarshan will broadcast matches, with Disney+ Hotstar providing OTT coverage. Sponsors like EaseMyTrip, GMR Sports, and Shiv Naresh are instrumental in managing logistics, ticketing, and apparel.

A step towards Olympic dreams

KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal emphasised the World Cup's role as a stepping stone to introducing Kho Kho to the Olympics. The event aims to set new standards in sporting excellence while celebrating India's rich heritage. With strong infrastructure and global participation, this tournament will showcase Kho Kho's dynamism on the international stage.