India celebrated a historic double victory at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, as the men’s team followed the women’s side in clinching the coveted trophy. Both teams showcased dominance and determination throughout the tournament, with the finals held in New Delhi. This remarkable achievement underscores India’s prowess in the indigenous sport, marking a proud moment for the nation and setting a strong foundation for kho kho on the global stage.
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History was made on Sunday in New Delhi as both the Indian men’s and women’s teams clinched the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 trophies. The women’s team set the stage by winning the inaugural World Cup with a commanding victory over Nepal in the final. The Pratik Waikar-led men’s team added to the celebrations, defeating Nepal 54-36 in their final at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, completing a memorable double triumph for India.
The women’s team
had defeated Nepal women 78-40 in their respective final.
How India men thumped Nepal in close fight
Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes. 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.
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. Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the side carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.
India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament.
🏆 खो-खो वर्ल्ड कप 2025
भारतीय मेंस टीम ने रचा इतिहास! 🇮🇳🔥
फाइनल में नेपाल🇳🇵को 54-36 से मात देकर पहला खो-खो वर्ल्ड कप खिताब अपने नाम किया।🏅💪
गौरवशाली पल, जय हिंद! ✨🙌
इस जीत के लिए टीम को बधाई! 🎉 #KhoKhoWorldCup #IndiaVsNepal #Finals #KhoKho #KhoKho2025… pic.twitter.com/4czFMO2FYU
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 19, 2025
Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against Team India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and this time Sachin Bhargo — fondly known as Chingari — proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive, and this sealed a much-deserved trophy for Team India as the score read 54-36 at the end of the final.
The team’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.
MATCH AWARDS
Best Attacker of the match: Suyash Gargate (Team India)
Best Defender of the match: Rohit Burma (Team Nepal)
Best Player of the match: Mehul (Team India)