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.
- Several close contests, including progress of Nepal to the championship match in both divisions, proved how competitive the field has become.
- The moment resonated not only as a sporting milestone and as a revival of a traditional game on the global stage.
- They joined the women’s team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40.
- The Indian women’s team mirrored their male counterparts’ success by defeating Nepal in the final.
- The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is dedicated to promoting and advancing the traditional sport of Kho Kho nationwide, fostering talent from the grassroots level to the professional stage.
- Lifting the World Cup trophy was the proudest moment of life,” Pratik said in the exclusive chat with WION’s Aditya Pimpale.
Full Kho Kho World Cup 2025 Winners List
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 on the mat, guiding formations and tactical shifts mid-match.
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.
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.
Key Performances From Both Teams
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 kho kho tournament champions 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.
Final Match Summary
- 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.
- The final stage of the 2025 global tournament delivered high-tempo action, strategic depth, and standout moments from both brackets.
- Each team entered the mat with winning momentum, having cleared the semi-finals against South Africa.
- In the final against Nepal, the raids of Bhosale were responsible for multiple dismissals within seconds, disrupting the defending momentum and forcing tactical errors of team.
- The tournament, hosted at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, signified a defining moment in bringing Kho Kho to international prominence.
- Her ability to break through lines and maintain momentum under pressure made her a vital part of the strategy of the squad.
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.
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.
Exclusive: Kho Kho World Cup winning captains Priyanka Ingle, Pratik Waikar reflect on historic triumph
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.
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.
Who won the Men’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025? India beat Nepal to clinch inaugural World Championship title
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.
Women’s Final: India vs. Nepal
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.
The Kho Kho World Cup results reflect the growing international appeal of this traditional discipline. This article presents verified outcomes, including final scores, point tables, and key matches that shaped the overall standings of the tournament. Beyond competitive excellence, the Fair Play Award highlighted the spirit of the sport and the importance of mutual respect, discipline, and rule adherence.
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.