The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) on Friday named the 24 nations that will participate in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to take place from 13 to 19 January 2025, at New Delhi’s IGI Stadium. This landmark tournament marks a significant step in the evolution of this indigenous Indian sport into a global phenomenon, with nations spanning six continents competing for the title of world champion.
Participating Nations
A diverse lineup of nations will compete in the championship:
Africa: Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda
Asia: Hosts India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka
Europe: England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland
North America: Canada and the United States
South America: Brazil and Peru
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
Tournament Structure
The tournament will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, with 12 teams competing in each category. This format ensures intense competition that will highlight the speed, strategy, and sporting excellence intrinsic to Kho Kho.
Men’s Division
In the men’s category, the competition will include a strong African presence with Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The Asian contingent features hosts India, along with Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, and South Korea. England and the Netherlands will represent Europe, while North America contributes Canada and the United States. Brazil will represent South America, and Australia completes the 16-team lineup.
Women’s Division
The women’s division boasts a competitive set of nations as well. African representatives include Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. The Asian representation features hosts India, Bhutan, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. European teams consist of England, Germany, and Poland. South America will be represented by Peru, while New Zealand rounds out the women’s bracket.
Pakistan’s Dual Participation
Pakistan has secured places in both the men’s and women’s divisions of this inaugural World Cup, further elevating the tournament’s level of competition.
KKFI Leadership Comments
KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal spoke about the upcoming World Cup in a press release, stating, “This historic championship represents a massive leap for Kho Kho, transforming it from a beloved local sport to a global phenomenon. With India leading this sporting revolution, the 2025 World Cup promises to be a significant step that will take Kho Kho to the next stage in the global sports ecosystem.”
KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi added, “The participation of 24 nations is a testament to Kho Kho’s growing international appeal. Our vision is to make this traditional Indian sport a truly global game, and this World Cup will serve as a milestone in achieving that goal.”
Official Tagline and Exhibition Match
The World Cup’s official tagline, #TheWorldGoesKho, was recently unveiled at a mega event at Thyagraj Stadium. The event featured an exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India, providing a thrilling preview of the competition to come, with Maharashtra emerging victorious in a close 26-24 contest.