Double delight: India men and women’s teams clinch Kho Kho World Cup crowns

It was double delight for Indian teams at the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi. After the women’s team defeated Nepal 78-40 in the final, the men’s team battled it out against their arch-rivals to clinch a 54-36 victory on Sunday, January 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. It was a sensational start to first bid at taking India’s indigenous sport to the global stage.

Both the men and the women’s teams remained unbeaten throughout the competition. After the women’s team decimated Nepal in the final, the men’s team followed suit, racing to a decisive lead as early as the end of the first turn.

India attacked first and put relentless pressure on Nepal, much to the delight of a packed crowd at the venue. Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive 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. There were more sky dives from the Indian men as they went on an attacking spree, denying Nepal even one dream run in the opening turn. At the end of the first turn, India had secured a 26-0 lead, getting off to a roaring start.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match Team India’s levels but did prevent the India from securing a 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 sky dives with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his best, and the team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the big final, ensuring they had enough in their bank to see off Nepal’s final attack.

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 proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive.

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 Shri Kiren Rijiju graced the occasion with their presence.

INDIA VS NEPAL FINAL: AWARD WINNERS

Best Attacker of the match: Suyash Gargate (India)

Best Defender of the match: Rohit Burma (Nepal)

Best Player of the match: Mehul (India)