India has announced its 15-member squads for both men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming Kho Kho World Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on January 13 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This prestigious event, supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from around the globe. The Indian men’s team is grouped with Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan in Group A, while the women’s team will compete against Iran, Malaysia, and South Korea in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
The Indian men’s team, led by captain Pratik Waikar, will begin their campaign against Nepal on the opening day, following the opening ceremony. Waikar, an experienced player who debuted internationally in 2016, has also captained the Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League. The men’s team is guided by veteran coach Ashwani Kumar Sharma, who brings over five decades of coaching experience. The women’s team, captained by Priyanka Ingle, will play their first match against South Korea on January 14 and is coached by Sumit Bhatia.
Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, was previously showcased at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 alongside kabaddi and mallakhamb. The 2025 World Cup will follow a format beginning with group stages, progressing to knockout rounds, and culminating in the finals on January 19. The Indian men’s matches are scheduled against Nepal on January 13, Brazil on January 14, Peru on January 15, and Bhutan on January 16. If they advance, the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will take place on January 17, 18, and 19, respectively.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
