The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is all set to commence on January 13, with hosts India duking it out against their arch-rivals Pakistan, thereby historic-feeling the sport for at least another few centuries to come.
Lasting from January 13 to 19 and expecting global attention, the tournament features participation from 24 countries-this week-long tournament bears great significance for them.
The matches will be held at two main venues: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi and Noida Indoor Stadium.
Provided an exhilarating opening ceremony on January 13, by far the most interesting match of the tournament is that between the Indian men's team and the Pakistan men's team. This match will be the starter for the rest of the tournament.
Vikram Dev Dogra, CEO of the Kho Kho World Cup, provided information on the event and said the league matches would be played between January 13 and 16, with the quarters on January 17, semis on January 18, and finals on January 19.
The national teams of India are undergoing training at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where a camp of 60 men and 60 women athletes is being organized. The teams that will represent India shall be selected from this ongoing camp with the assurance that only the best players go in for the World Cup.
Salman Khan's induction as the World Cup brand ambassador has proven to be a proud moment for the organisers, according to Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and chairman of the organising committee.
It is also because of his huge popularity among fans that this tournament now receives that extra attention and glamour.
The format of this competition would include league cum knockout stages, with participation including both men's and women's teams.
International teams that have confirmed their participation so far include the USA, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Interestingly, Indonesia will send only its women's team while other Asian nations will be represented by both their respective men's and women's teams.
The tournament will gather 615 players and 125 support staff, with each side comprising 15 players, one coach, one manager, and international technical officials to oversee the proceedings.
Such large participation is an indication of the growing acceptance of Kho Kho on the international scene, with countries from different continents realising its importance.
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