Indian Men Triumph Over Nepal 54-36 to Win First Kho Kho World Cup
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Synopsis
Team India emerged victorious in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, defeating Nepal 54-36. The match showcased exceptional performances from captain Pratik Waikar and standout Ramji Kashyap, highlighting India's dominance in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- India won the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
- Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap were standout players.
- The women's team also won against Nepal.
- The tournament showcased India's strength in Kho Kho.
- Dignitaries attended the historic final.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a stunning exhibition of speed, strategy, and skill, Team India made sporting history by securing the title of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on a picturesque Sunday night.
The Men in Blue showcased their dominance in the final against Nepal, concluding with a decisive score of 54-36, with remarkable contributions from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament hero Ramji Kashyap. They joined forces with the women's team, who also triumphed over Nepal in another thrilling final, winning with a resounding score of 78-40.
Starting aggressively, an impressive skydive by Ramji Kashyap took out Nepal's Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then tagged Bharat Sahu, giving India an excellent beginning with 10 points in just 4 minutes. The Men in Blue relied on their signature skydives, establishing a solid lead early in Turn 1, preventing their opponents from achieving a Dream Run. By the end of the first turn, the score was 26-0 in favor of India — an ideal start.
During Turn 2, Nepal struggled to keep pace with Team India but managed to halt a single Dream Run. Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar propelled the team forward, and despite consistent touches from players like Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India maintained a 26-18 lead as they entered the latter half of the match.
In Turn 3, India displayed confidence and skill. Captain Pratik Waikar excelled with several skydives, supported by tournament star Ramji Kashyap. Aditya Ganpule also shone, and the collective effort of the team pushed the score to 54-18 as they entered the final stretch of the match and tournament.
Nepal put up a strong fight in Turn 4 in their attempt to close the gap against Team India. However, the defense, spearheaded by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo—affectionately known as Chingari—proved to be formidable. Mehul and Suman Barman also impressed, securing a well-deserved trophy for Team India as the final score read 54-36.
The team's path to victory was extraordinary. India demonstrated their prowess throughout the tournament, starting with convincing wins against Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stage. Their winning streak continued in the knockout rounds, where they outperformed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before defeating a strong South African team in the semifinals.
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup finals attracted a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, enhancing the prestige of this momentous sporting event. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Pankaj Mithal, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju graced the occasion. Other attendees included Odisha's Minister of Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education, Suryabanshi Suraj, International Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Krishna Gopal. Their presence underscored the significance of this milestone event in the journey of Kho Kho from a traditional Indian sport to a global sensation, on its path to becoming an Olympic Sport.
