Music, Dance, and War Cries: A Grand Welcome for Foreign Participants at Kho Kho
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New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, located in the nation's capital, was filled with excitement on Sunday as representatives from 23 participating nations came together for the pre-tournament press conference of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
This event provided a stunning glimpse into the cultural diversity that the upcoming tournament will showcase, scheduled to take place from January 13 to 19.
“Kho Kho is an incredibly beautiful yet challenging sport, allowing you to run freely while also engaging your intellect,” shared Konrad, a 24-year-old player from the Poland team, with enthusiasm. “It strikes a fantastic balance between physical activity and strategic thinking,” he added.
Players representing various teams added vibrant colors to the event, welcomed by traditional Indian music. The press conference turned into a celebration of cultural exchange, with each nation contributing its distinctive essence to this historic gathering.
Karolina, from the women's team, remarked, “Though we are newcomers to Kho Kho, our energy is limitless. It has been amazing to watch other teams, particularly India, in action, and our training over the past few months has greatly improved our strategic understanding of the game.”
The foreign teams experienced India’s famed hospitality, while also infusing their own cultural elements to create a truly spectacular event. The war cries from the African teams elevated the spirits of the visiting nations, while the dance performances from the European teams revitalized everyone.
“We are approaching this tournament with utmost seriousness,” stated Matshidiso, coach of the South African women's team. “South Africa is prepared to challenge India fiercely in the tournament.”
“I find it enjoyable because it merges the playful freedom of a children’s game, where you can run around freely, with aspects that demand strategic thinking. This combination of physical activity and mental challenge makes it particularly captivating,” expressed Bridgette from the Australian team.
A highlight of the event was the photo opportunity with the prestigious World Cup trophy, as teams took turns capturing their moments before the tournament kicks off on Monday. The championship, which will continue until January 19, represents a significant milestone in the journey of Kho Kho towards achieving global recognition.
Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India, expressed his pride: “This gathering of 23 nations at this press conference fills me with great pride. Witnessing representatives from around the world, each contributing their national identity while embracing our indigenous sport, showcases Kho Kho's universal charm and its potential for international expansion. And now, the next thing…”
MS Tyagi, general secretary of the Kho Kho Federation of India, elaborated on the preparatory details: “The excitement demonstrated by all participating nations during the technical briefing today has been extraordinary. Our aim has been to ensure clarity in the rules while upholding the highest standards of competition throughout the upcoming tournament.”
