New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams for their historic victory at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, which was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on January 19. Both teams triumphed over Nepal in their respective finals, securing the prestigious World Cup titles.
The felicitation ceremony saw the presence of the full Kho Kho teams, along with coaches and officials from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), including President Sudhanshu Mittal. The event also featured dignitaries from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
In his address, Mandaviya highlighted the resurgence of traditional Indian sports, emphasizing their cultural and communal value. “Traditional games reflect the resilience and community spirit of our nation, upholding our rich sporting heritage. The world has much to learn from these games, which represent the soul of India,” he remarked. He also acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been advocating for the global recognition of traditional Indian sports, urging continued efforts to elevate them.
The Union Minister further praised the outstanding performance of the Indian Kho Kho teams, emphasizing their global exposure and achievements. “Prime Minister Modi has consistently stressed the need to provide the best platforms for our traditional athletes. Our Kho Kho teams are a testament to this vision, and their success is a proud moment for the country,” Mandaviya said.
Looking ahead, Mandaviya stressed the importance of continued progress in Indian sports, especially with the upcoming Asian Games 2026 and India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. “The victories of our teams should inspire all stakeholders to continue the momentum. We aim to take Kho Kho to the Asian Games and eventually to the Olympics in 2036. The Ministry will continue to support the players and coaches to enhance their performance and bring more success to the nation,” he added.
India’s victory at the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was built on solid preparation. The teams trained at a month-long camp at the SAI’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where 60 players from across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, were selected to form the final squads of 15 men and 15 women. The camp provided top-notch facilities, including sports science testing, specialized diet plans, and excellent lodging, all of which contributed to the team’s success.
Chief coach Sumit Bhatia of the Indian Women’s Kho Kho team praised the preparation, noting that the rigorous camp and the team’s cohesion were instrumental in their victory. “The players underwent sports science testing for the first time, and the SAI’s support was critical in ensuring our teams were ready to compete at the highest level. We are already setting our sights on the next World Cup, which will be held in England, and we are determined to bring home the title again,” he said.
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 saw participation from 23 countries, with India emerging as the dominant force in the competition. The success of the tournament has sparked excitement about Kho Kho’s growing recognition and potential on the global sports stage. With the support of the government and the commitment of the players, the future of Kho Kho in India looks brighter than ever.
In conclusion, the historic victory of India’s Kho Kho teams is not just a sporting achievement but also a testament to the nation’s dedication to preserving and promoting its traditional sports. The efforts of the players, coaches, and the Sports Authority of India have set a new benchmark, inspiring the next generation of athletes to take India’s legacy forward.
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