New Delhi, 16 October (Hindustan Reporter). The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) on Wednesday announced the dates of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup and unveiled its logo at an event held at the Thyagaraja Stadium here. The inaugural edition of this World Cup of Kho Kho, one of the oldest games of India, will be held in New Delhi from 13 to 19 January 2025.
The launch ceremony also featured a spectacular exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and Rest of India, which Maharashtra won 26-24.
The official World Cup logo and tagline #TheWorldGoesKho were unveiled after the match. To make this ancient Indian game truly international, the tournament will feature 24 countries, with both men's and women's teams competing for world supremacy. The championship consists of 16 teams in each division.
KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal said, “Kho Kho is a game made on the soil of our country. So, we are very proud to bring this game to the mat. Many thanks to the federation, which has worked hard to ensure that Kho Kho becomes an international game. We first brought the game to its fans through the Ultimate Kho Kho League, and now, it is time to take things to the next level with the first Kho Kho World Cup.”
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Defense Nikhil Khadse said, “Kho-Kho has been a part of our country's history since the time of Mahabharata. The Indian government has been promoting several indigenous sports and hosting the inaugural edition of the Kho-Kho World Cup in 2025 is a step in the same direction. Big congratulations to KKFI for their efforts in various fields, especially sports science, as it takes the level of sports to another level.”
Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “We are excited to be the official partner for the first Kho-Kho World Cup in 2025. The event is an important step in not only showcasing the dynamic spirit of Kho-Kho but also in promoting its inclusion on the global stage with aspirations of bringing it to the Olympics and Asian Games. Just as EaseMyTrip strives for excellence in the travel industry, we are committed to supporting the sport’s journey to international prominence.”
This historic championship is a huge leap for Kho-Kho, transforming it from a beloved local game to a global event. India is leading this sporting revolution and the 2025 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable celebration of speed, strategy and sporting excellence.