In a historic feat, Team India secured the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title, defeating Nepal with an authoritative 54-36 win in the men’s final at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here on Sunday night.
The triumph, led by captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap, cemented India’s dominance in the traditional sport’s global debut.
India women’s team also emerged victorious earlier in the evening, clinching their title with an emphatic 78-40 win over Nepal in another high-octane final.
The men’s final saw India dominate from the outset, with Kashyap’s brilliant sky dive securing an early dismissal of Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate followed with another stellar move, touching Bharat Sahu to give India a commanding 10-point lead within the first four minutes. At the end of Turn 1, the Indians held a remarkable 26-0 advantage.
Nepal fought back in Turn 2, with Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara showing resilience, but India, spearheaded by Aditya Ganpule and captain Waikar, maintained their lead at 26-18 by halftime.
Turn 3 showcased India’s unwavering resolve as Waikar and Kashyap executed multiple sky dives, supported by stellar performances from Aditya Ganpule. The Men in Blue extended their lead to 54-18, leaving Nepal an uphill task in the final turn.
Despite Nepal’s spirited efforts in Turn 4, India’s defence, led by Sachin Bhargo, Mehul, and Suman Barman, proved unyielding. The final whistle sealed India’s victory with a 54-36 scoreline, sparking celebrations across the stadium.
India’s journey to the championship was marked by dominance, starting with resounding group stage wins over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan. The knockout rounds saw them outclass Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming South Africa in a gripping semifinal clash.
Match Awards: Best Attacker: Suyash Gargate (India); Best Defender: Rohit Burma (Nepal); Best Player: Mehul (India)
