Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India to Host the Tournament with 24 Countries, Including Pakistan, Participating

Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India is set to host the inaugural Kho World Cup, a significant milestone for the ancient Indian sport that has captured hearts worldwide. The tournament will take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025, marking the first-ever global competition for the sport. Kho Kho, which has roots dating back to the Mahabharata era, is poised to debut on the world stage, and this World Cup represents the culmination of years of hard work to internationalize the game.

Kho Kho’s history traces back to the 4th century BC, during the Mauryan period, with references to the game found in ancient texts. It is a fast-paced team sport traditionally played in India, where players chase and tag opponents within a marked playing area. The game has evolved, transitioning from a simple village pastime to a competitive sport with a growing international presence. The modern form of Kho Kho originated in Maharashtra in the early 20th century. It quickly spread across India before reaching other continents.

1914 is significant in Kho’s history as it marks the publication of the first official rulebook, written by the renowned Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Bal Angadhar Tilak. His contribution to standardizing the rules of Kho Kho set the foundation for the sport’s future development.

Kho Kho’s international journey began in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, when the game was demonstrated, drawing the attention of global sporting authorities. Adolf Hitler himself praised the game, acknowledging its potential. However, Kho Kho remained largely a regional sport until 1996, when the Kho Kho World Cup held its first Asian Championship, which further helped the sport grow in Asia.

In 2010, Kho Kho took a significant leap forward by being played on indoor mats, increasing its appeal as a competitive sport. This innovation also led to the formation of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), which has set its sights on achieving the ultimate goal of securing a place for Kho Kho in the Olympics by 2032. This ambition demonstrates the Federation’s commitment to expanding Kho Kho’s global presence.

Currently, Kho Kho is played in 54 countries across all continents. By the end of 2025, the sport is expected to be represented in 90 countries, further demonstrating the growing interest in this dynamic game. The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup will feature 24 countries from six continents, including prominent nations like England, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. The competition will showcase men’s and women’s teams, with 16 for each category.

As the host nation, India will field men’s and women’s teams alongside other Asian teams such as Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Iran, and Malaysia. The event will include African teams from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and England will compete. At the same time, North America will be represented by teams from the United States and Canada. South America will be represented by Peru and Brazil, and from Oceania, New Zealand, and Australia will join the fray.

The teams will arrive in New Delhi before the World Cup to participate in practice sessions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, starting on January 8, 2025. The complex will be equipped with 1,200 yellow and green practice mats, giving players the ideal setting to hone their skills before the competition begins.

Each participating team will have 18 members, including 15 players, a coach, a manager, and a support staff member. This setup ensures that the teams are fully prepared for the competition’s challenges, which are expected to be fierce and highly competitive. The World Cup will showcase the best Kho Kho talent and foster international cooperation and exchange between different nations.

This event is a historic moment for Kho Kho, signaling its entry onto the global sports stage. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has worked tirelessly to organize this World Cup and bring attention to the sport’s rich history and potential. The Federation’s efforts have garnered significant support from national sports organizations and international bodies, helping Kho Kho gain recognition as a competitive, organized sport.

As the World Cup approaches, there is growing excitement around the potential for Kho Kho to become a significant fixture in the international sports landscape. The success of the 2025 World Cup will be a crucial step in building momentum for Kho Kho’s inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games, a goal that many in the sports community are passionate about.

For now, the World Cup in New Delhi promises to celebrate Kho Kho’s history, its journey from local playgrounds to the world stage, and its bright future as a global sport. The tournament will not only showcase athleticism and competition. Still, it will also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and sports diplomacy as nations compete and learn from one another worldwide.

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