New Delhi: The Indian Men’s Kho Kho team clinched the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title by trouncing Nepal 54-36 in the final at the Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium here this evening.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a commanding victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap.

Earlier this evening, the Indian Women's Kho Kho team dominated Nepal in a spectacular final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40. The women’s team lifted the Kho Kho World Cup trophy.

The wins of the Indian Women's and Men’s teams brought cheers among the people of Odisha as the State is the sponsor of the Indian National Kho Kho teams. 

During the three-year sponsorship Odisha has announced to invest ₹5 Crore annually. From January 2025 to December 2027 sponsorship period, Odisha will provide sponsorship package of ₹15 Crore.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal's Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes. Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favor of the Indians — a perfect start for the side.

INDIA v NEPAL MEN's KHO KHO TEAM

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. Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the side carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team's collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against Team India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and this time Sachin Bhargo — fondly known as Chingari — proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive, and this sealed a much-deserved trophy for Team India as the score read 54-36 at the end of the final.

The team's journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.

MATCH AWARDS

Best Attacker of the match: Suyash Gargate (Team India)

Best Defender of the match: Rohit Burma (Team Nepal)

Best Player of the match: Mehul (Team India)

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup finals witnessed an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, adding prestige to this historic sporting event. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Supreme Court Judge Pankaj Mithal, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju graced the occasion with their presence. Also present were Odisha's Minister of Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education, Suryabanshi Suraj, International Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Joint General Secretary Krishna Gopal.