An important milestone for the sport will be reached when the first Kho Kho World Cup is held in India the following year. Twenty-four nations from all six continents will compete in this historic event, featuring 32 teams—16 men’s and 16 women’s. The International Kho Kho Federation, in association with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), announced the competition.
This Indian sport showcases the country’s vibrant culture and competitive spirit. Players originally played the sport in mud, but it has developed significantly and now thrives in 54 nations worldwide.
The KKFI aims to promote the sport at 200 prestigious schools across ten cities before the World Cup. To encourage participation among schoolchildren, the federation is launching a membership drive with a goal of registering at least 5 million participants prior to the event.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the KKFI, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition. He emphasized that it’s not just about the games. Mittal highlighted the event’s potential to bring people together. He noted it could foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the sport’s dynamic nature to a global audience. Mittal also expressed the federation’s aspiration for Olympic recognition by 2032. He views the World Cup as a critical first step toward that goal.
Over the course of a week-long competition, elite athletes will demonstrate their talent, agility, and teamwork in thrilling matches. By hosting this landmark event, the KKFI hopes to write a new chapter in the sport’s history. Moreover, this will bring the sport to a wider audience and secure its spot in the Olympics.
In addition, teams from around the world will achieve an important turning point for the sport. They will gather to participate in the 2025 World Cup.
Furthermore, the event marks a significant milestone. Organizers plan to reach millions of people and expand the sport’s presence in schools. Consequently, these efforts will pave the way for international recognition. Ultimately, the goal is inclusion in the Olympic Games by 2032.
