India’s Men’s and Women’s Teams Win First Kho-Kho World Cup: A Historic Achievement
India’s men’s and women’s teams have emerged victorious in the inaugural Kho-Kho World Cup, making the nation proud. The finals were held on Sunday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The women’s team defeated Nepal with an impressive score of 78-40, while the men’s team secured a 54-36 win against the same opponent.
Unbeaten Streak Throughout the Tournament
The Kho-Kho World Cup was held from January 13 to January 19, 2025, in New Delhi. Both Indian teams remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional performance. Nepal, despite reaching the finals in both categories, was unable to overcome India’s dominance. After the victories, the Indian teams celebrated by taking a victory lap with the national flag.
Men’s Final: India Maintains Lead Across All Innings
In the men’s final, Nepal won the toss and opted to defend first. India scored 26 points in the first innings, while Nepal was unable to score. India also managed to get Nepal all-out once, securing a 26-0 lead. In the second turn, Nepal chased and earned 18 points, but India still led 26-18 at halftime.
In the third innings, India extended its lead by scoring 28 points and getting Nepal all-out again, making it 54-18. In the final turn, Nepal added 18 more points, but India’s dominance ensured a 54-36 victory.
Women’s Final: India Dominates All Four Innings
The women’s final began at 6 PM on Sunday, with Nepal choosing to defend after winning the toss. India displayed dominance in the first innings, scoring 34 points. Nepal managed 24 points in their chase but trailed 35-24 at halftime.
In the third innings, India increased their lead by scoring 38 points, making it 73-24. Nepal could only add 16 points in the final turn, while India scored 5 more to conclude the match with a 78-40 victory, securing the championship.
Exceptional Performance Throughout the Tournament
The women’s group featured 19 teams, with India placed in Group A alongside Iran, Malaysia, and South Korea. India defeated South Korea 176-18, Iran 100-16, and Malaysia 100-20, finishing at the top of their group.
In the quarterfinals, India beat Bangladesh 109-16, followed by a semifinal victory over South Africa with a score of 66-16. The finals saw India’s women’s team maintain their dominance, defeating Nepal with a margin of 38 points.
Similarly, the men’s team showcased their prowess. In the group stage, India defeated Nepal 42-37, Brazil 66-34, Peru 70-38, and Bhutan 71-34. They continued their winning streak by beating Sri Lanka 100-40 in the quarterfinals and South Africa 62-42 in the semifinals.
A New Era for Kho-Kho
India’s historic victories in the inaugural Kho-Kho World Cup mark the beginning of a new era for the sport. Both teams’ unbeaten streaks and their ability to overcome strong opponents demonstrate their dominance in this traditional Indian game.
