The Indian men’s team secured victory in the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup after defeating Nepal in a thrilling final. The triumph came shortly after the Indian women’s team claimed the women’s title, completing a historic double for the host nation.
Both finals were India versus Nepal showdowns, with the Indian teams proving to be dominant throughout the tournament. The men’s team followed in the footsteps of their female counterparts with a commanding performance on January 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
In their earlier encounter during the tournament opener, India had already defeated Nepal convincingly. The men’s team carried this momentum into the final, where they outclassed their opponents in all four turns to secure the championship.
India began the match strongly, taking a significant lead of 26-0 in the first turn while on the attack. Their exceptional defence ensured that Nepal struggled to score, restricting them to just 18 points by the halfway mark. At the end of the first two halves, India maintained a solid 26-18 lead.
In the third turn, the Men in Blue stepped up their performance even further. Their attacking prowess earned them 28 additional points, leaving Nepal facing an uphill task. By the end of the third turn, India was ahead by a commanding 56-18 margin.
The final turn saw Nepal attempting to close the gap, but the Indian defence held firm. Nepal managed to score only eight points, far from the 37 required to overturn India’s lead.
The match concluded with a resounding 54-36 victory for India, sealing their place as the inaugural men’s Kho Kho World Cup champions.
The women’s and men’s teams both delivered exceptional performances, showcasing India’s dominance in the traditional sport of Kho Kho. By clinching both titles, India has established itself as a formidable force on the international Kho Kho stage.
The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will be remembered as a historic event for Indian sport. The success of both teams not only highlighted their skill and strategy but also inspired a renewed interest in the game across the nation.