Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 20: India celebrated a historic moment in sports as both the men’s and women’s teams triumphed in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the dual victories, calling it a proud day for Indian sports and a major boost for one of the country’s oldest traditional games.

PM Modi expressed his admiration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Today’s a great day for Indian Kho Kho. Incredibly proud of Indian Men's Kho Kho team for winning the Kho Kho World Cup title. Their grit and dedication are commendable. This win will contribute to further popularising Kho Kho among the youth."

The Prime Minister also applauded the Indian women’s team for their historic triumph, adding, "Congratulations to the Indian women’s team on winning the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup! This victory, driven by their unparalleled skill, determination, and teamwork, will inspire countless young athletes across the nation."

A double delight for India

In a spectacular display of skill and strategy, the Indian men’s team defeated Nepal in the final with a dominant 54-36 scoreline. Captain Pratik Waikar and tournament star Ramji Kashyap led the charge, cementing India’s place at the pinnacle of the sport.

The women’s team, equally emphatic, crushed Nepal with an overwhelming 78-40 victory, showcasing their prowess and teamwork.

Journey to glory

The Indian men’s team had a remarkable run in the tournament, beginning with commanding victories over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds as they outplayed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and edged past a formidable South African side in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, the women’s team mirrored this success with wins against South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia in the group stages, followed by victories over Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals.

A new era for Kho Kho

This historic double victory has brought unprecedented attention to Kho Kho, a sport deeply rooted in India’s tradition. The wins are expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and boost the sport's popularity nationwide.

With this monumental achievement, India has set the stage for Kho Kho’s global recognition, promising an exciting future for the sport on the international stage.