Rapid Fire
India Wins Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025
- 21 Jan 2025
- 2 min read
India emerged as the champions of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, clinching both the men’s and women’s Kho Kho World champions titles by defeating Nepal in the finals.
- Kho Kho World Cup 2025: The tournament was backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), it included group stages and knockouts for both divisions (men’s and women’s).
- Kho Kho’s Historical Significance: It is one of India's oldest traditional tag games, believed to have evolved from the Chakravyuha, a war formation in the Mahabharata, resembling a defensive tactic similar to Kho Kho's ring play.
- Experts believe that Kho Kho originated in Maharashtra, and was initially played on chariots. The modern foot version emerged in 1914 during World War I, with Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana Club formalizing its rules and structure.
- A Kho Kho team consists of 9 active players, with 3 substitutes available. Players alternate between chasing, defending, and tagging opponents.
- Kho Kho was demonstrated at the Berlin 1936 Olympics, alongside other indigenous Indian sports like kabaddi and mallakhamb.
- Growing Popularity: Kho Kho’s global reach has grown from 6 countries in 2020 to 55 in 2025. The International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) aims to expand to 90 countries, targeting Olympic inclusion by 2036.
Read more: India Bids to Host the 2036 Olympics
