New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) In a spectacular display of speed, strategy, and skill, Team India etched their names in sporting history by clinching the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on a beautiful Sunday night.
The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a commanding 54-36 victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They joined the women’s team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40.
Attacking first, an exceptional skydive 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. Skydives 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.
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 skydives, 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.
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. Their attendance showed the significance of this milestone event in Kho Kho’s journey from a traditional Indian sport to a global phenomenon on its way to being an Olympic Sport.
–IANS
aaa/ab
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
