India Triumphs Over Nepal: Emotional Victory Seals Inaugural 2025 Kho Kho World Cup Title
In a historic moment for Indian sports, Team India emerged victorious at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, clinching the title after defeating Nepal 54-36 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This victory follows the women’s team’s impressive 78-40 win over Nepal earlier in the evening, highlighting India’s dominance in the sport.
Captained by Pratik Waikar and featuring standout performances from Ramji Kashyap, the Indian men’s team demonstrated superior skill and strategy throughout the tournament, particularly excelling in defense and their signature sky dives. These winning tactics set a new standard for Kho Kho.
The finals were attended by notable dignitaries such as former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Shri Pankaj Mithal, and Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, symbolizing Kho Kho’s rising international profile and its potential as an Olympic sport.
The match began with India taking an early lead, powered by Ramji Kashyap’s sky dive, which secured a critical touch against Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Supported by Suyash Gargate, India built a commanding 26-0 advantage in the first turn. Despite Nepal’s spirited comeback attempt in the second turn, India led 26-18 at halftime. In the third turn, Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap’s exceptional dives extended India’s lead to 54-18. Although Nepal showed determination in the final turn, India’s defense, led by Sachin Bhargo (nicknamed “Chingari”), Mehul, and Suman Barman, sealed a historic victory.
India’s path to glory was marked by dominant group-stage victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan, followed by knockout triumphs against Bangladesh and a strong South African team. Awards went to Suyash Gargate as Best Attacker and Mehul as Best Player, while Rohit Burma of Nepal was named Best Defender. This monumental win solidifies India’s legacy in Kho Kho, paving the way for the sport’s inclusion on the world stage.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/india-defeat-nepal-to-claim-the-inaugural-kho-kho-world-cup-2025-title-1157221-2025-01-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-19 21:45:00
