Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Jan 11: In a proud moment for Odisha, three players from the state have been selected to represent India at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
Pabani Sabar will represent the men’s Indian Kho Kho team, while Magai Majhi and Subhashree Sing have been chosen for the women’s team. The tournament will feature 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams competing for glory.
The trio has been training at the Odisha AM/NS Kho Kho High Performance Centre (HPC) for the past eight months under the mentorship of coach Sanjeev Sharma. All three players have previously represented Odisha at the Senior National Championships, consistently demonstrating their exceptional skills and dedication.
Coach Sanjeev Sharma expressed his pride and excitement, noting his long association with the players. “I have been working with these players for over three and a half years, both as the head coach of the Odisha state team and now at the HPC. Pabani is a phenomenal all-rounder, very dedicated and sincere. His performance at the Ultimate Kho Kho Tournament, where he helped secure a gold medal, made it clear he was destined for the World Cup squad.”
Sharma also praised Magai Majhi and Subhashree Sing for their resilience and talent, particularly given the tough competition they faced to earn their spots. “Magai, who comes from a tribal region, has unmatched speed and agility, making her one of India’s most promising attackers. Subhashree, like Pabani, is an exceptional all-rounder, equally skilled in attacking and defending. Both have worked tirelessly to prove their worth, and I am thrilled to see them in the main squad,” he said.
Confident in their abilities, Sharma predicted that one of the three players would earn the player-of-the-match title during the tournament, given their consistent performances in the past.
The Odisha government has also played a significant role in supporting the sport, recently announcing a three-year sponsorship for the national Kho Kho team from January 2025 to December 2027. This sponsorship aims to uplift the sport and inspire young talent across the state and country. Sharma expressed gratitude for this initiative, emphasizing its impact on both the national team and aspiring athletes.
Adding to the state’s contribution, four technical officials from Odisha will also participate in the World Cup, further highlighting the state’s vital role in the development and success of Kho Kho in India. Odisha takes immense pride in its players and eagerly awaits their performances on the global stage.