The Indian women’s team mirrored their male counterparts’ success by defeating Nepal in the final. Captain Priyanka Ingle led with multiple touch points, establishing a strong foundation in Turn 1. The final stage of the 2025 global tournament delivered high-tempo action, strategic depth, and standout moments from both brackets. Played at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the concluding matches featured the host nation and Nepal across both divisions. Each encounter unfolded with intensity and showcased the evolution of the sport at an international level. From the opening whistle, the finals were marked by precise formations, quick transitions, and competitive spirit.
Sky-dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favor of the Indians — a perfect start for the side. Their attendance showed the significance of this milestone event in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian sport to a global phenomenon on its way to being an Olympic Sport.
In the category of men, Akshay Bhosale was named Player of the Tournament for his extraordinary consistency in both the league and knockout stages. His dual role as a lead raider and effective communicator enabled seamless coordination within the Indian team. Across the tournament, Bhosale scored critical points in every match, frequently turning close contests into decisive victories. In addition to his athletic ability, he demonstrated leadership kho kho tournament champions on the mat, guiding formations and tactical shifts mid-match.
Kho Kho World Cup Results
Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team’s collective effort took the score to entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament. In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match Team India’s levels but did prevent the side from going on a single Dream Run. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes.
- These recognitions not only reflected statistical performance and highlighted leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
- Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.
- Her contribution was particularly visible when she resisted coordinated raids and extended holding time beyond expectations.
- With unmatched agility and teamwork, both Indian squads overcame top international contenders.
- The team of women mirrored this form with an undefeated streak, sealing their title by defeating Nepal 78–40.
The tournament, hosted at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, signified a defining moment in bringing Kho Kho to international prominence. India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The men’s team triumphed over Nepal with a victory, while the women’s team dominated Nepal 78-40. The advancement of Nepal to both finals signals the emergence of new challengers, adding depth to the international field.
- The 2025 edition marked the first time an international kho kho tournament was held with a World Cup format under the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF).
- With 81 total matches played, the outcomes brought clarity to the hierarchy among participating nations.
- Skipper Priyanka Ingle was in the best of form for her team with multiple touch points to her name, as the Indians started off in an exceptional manner.
- Her contribution extended beyond the numbers, she led the rhythm and maintained composure in high-pressure situations.
- While India remained unbeaten in the group stage, Nepal also delivered dominant performances in their group matches and knockout rounds.
- His raids were not only prolific in terms of scoring and essential in building pressure on opponents early in each match.
Top Moments & Turning Points
The consistency of the team, tactical precision, and early aggression left little room for Nepal to challenge. Both Indian squads completed the tournament unbeaten, confirming their place among the elite Kho Kho world cup winners. The triumph of India at the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 came after a flawless campaign in both divisions. The team of India men dominated Group A, advanced through the knockout stages, and sealed the title with a commanding 54–36 win over Nepal in the final match. The team of women mirrored this form with an undefeated streak, sealing their title by defeating Nepal 78–40.
Winning Team & Margin
While India remained unbeaten in the group stage, Nepal also delivered dominant performances in their group matches and knockout rounds. The host nation won both titles, defeating Nepal in the final matches of both male and female divisions with dominant performances throughout the entire tournament. While both units achieved identical success, the performance metrics reveal slightly higher scoring outputs in the female category.
India has made history by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held from January 13 to 19 at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi. This landmark event featured 23 countries across six continents, with 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams competing in the fast-paced seven-a-side format. In the final round of the female division, Nasreen emerged as the standout athlete with an exceptional performance that elevated the tempo of the match from the very start.
Kho Kho World Cup Final Match Results
Yes, the 2025 edition was the first official international Kho Kho World Cup organised under the International Kho Kho Federation, featuring teams from 23 different countries. The historic India triumph in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup ignited celebrations across the country. From major cities to small villages, the double victory in both categories was seen as a proud moment for a sport deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the nation. Her raids against Nepal in the final showcased both stamina and tactical finesse, allowing India to secure a decisive lead in the first and third turns.
India Wins Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025
Throughout the championship, high-intensity action and strategic brilliance defined the matches. The victory of India in the 2025 World Cup reshaped the future of kho kho both nationally and internationally. The recognition brought by the championship led to increased interest among youth and sports institutions, prompting several state-level bodies to introduce or expand training programs. It highlighted the competitive potential of indigenous sports in a modern format, strengthening the case for global expansion.
Group Stage PerformanceNepal also competed in Group A alongside India and three other teams, securing victories in three out of their four matches, with their only defeat coming against India. The Indian team was guided by coach Ashwini Sharma who reflected on the historic run in the inaugural edition. “I can’t define my happiness as I became the first female captain of the Indian Kho Kho side to win the World Cup.
The 2025 edition marked the first time an international kho kho tournament was held with a World Cup format under the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF). Before this, kho kho existed primarily as a regional and national sport without any global championship. The launch of this tournament officially established Kho Kho as an internationally recognised sport under a structured competitive format. History was scripted on Sunday (Jan 19) as India’s men’s and women’s teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup beating Nepal in the final in both categories. The win is a welcome addition to the Indian sports legacy, as Kho Kho becomes the first sport to produce world champions from the nation in both men’s and women’s categories. After the match, Indian team captains Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle spoke to WION, reflecting on the historic achievement.
Despite the effort, they managed only 24 points by the end of Turn 2, trailing by 11 points at halftime. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and this time Sachin Bhargo proved too strong. Priyanka was equally enjoying her moment with the team, helping India win the inaugural edition. India entered the women’s final as clear favourites, having had a dream run so far in the Kho Kho World Cup.