India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025

India is all set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi. This historic event marks a significant step towards elevating Kho Kho, one of India’s most cherished indigenous games, onto the global stage. With the support of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the tournament promises to be a milestone in the promotion of traditional sports. 

Event Details

• Date: January 13 to 19, 2025
• Venue: Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium, New Delhi
• Significance: First-ever Kho Kho World Cup, bringing global attention to the sport.

Organizers and Support

• Indian Olympic Association (IOA): Partnered with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) to ensure the success of the event.
• IOA President PT Usha: Emphasized the importance of collaboration to raise the profile of Kho Kho globally.
• KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal: Praised IOA’s support, calling it a “game-changer” for Kho Kho’s international recognition.

International Participation

Teams: 24 teams from six continents, including both men’s and women’s categories.

• Participating Countries: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Kenya, England, Germany, Brazil, and Australia.
• Global Appeal: The tournament aims to enhance Kho Kho’s visibility worldwide and inspire athletes globally.

Cultural Impact

• Promotion of Traditional Sports: The event aligns with efforts to celebrate and promote India’s cultural heritage.
• Fostering Sportsmanship: Aims to build a spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship among global participants.

Future of Kho Kho

• Global Recognition: The Kho Kho World Cup marks a turning point in internationalizing the sport, with hopes of making it a permanent fixture on the global sports calendar.
• Encouraging Global Participation: The event is expected to spark greater interest in Kho Kho worldwide and inspire future tournaments and competitions.