By SRTeam In a display of dominance, both the Indian men’s and women’s kho kho teams have secured their places in the semi-finals of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, currently underway at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Women’s Team Triumphs Over Bangladesh
The Indian women’s team delivered a commanding performance against Bangladesh, achieving a 109-16 victory. Captain Priyanka Ingle led by example, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The match was marked by India’s consistent scoring across all four turns, including an impressive ‘Dream Run’ in the second turn that lasted over five minutes.
In the first turn, India amassed 50 points, with experienced players like Nasreen Shaikh and Priyanka Ingle spearheading the effort. The second turn featured a remarkable Dream Run by Ingle, Ashwini Shinde, and Reshma Rathod, who maintained their run for five minutes and 36 seconds, adding six points to the tally. By the end of the second turn, Bangladesh had managed only four touches, with the score at 56-8.
The third turn saw India continue their dominance, preventing Bangladesh from gaining any momentum. A sky dive from Rathod brought India’s score past the 100-point mark for the fifth consecutive match in the tournament. The final turn solidified India’s victory, concluding the game at 109-16 and securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Men’s Team Overpowers Sri Lanka
The Indian men’s team mirrored the women’s success with a decisive 100-40 win against Sri Lanka. Key players such as Ramji Kashyap, Pratik Waikar, and Aditya Ganpule were instrumental in the victory. In the first turn, India scored 58 points, effectively preventing Sri Lanka from executing any Dream Runs.
Although Sri Lanka showed resilience in the second turn, India’s substantial lead provided a solid foundation for an aggressive approach in the third turn. Players like Siva Reddy, V Subramani, and Wazir Pratik Waikar executed a series of sky dives and pole dives, maintaining pressure on the Sri Lankan side. The final turn featured contributions from Pabani Sabar, Aniket Pote, and Siva Reddy, culminating in a 100-40 victory and a place in the semi-finals.
Tournament Overview
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation, commenced on January 13, 2025, and will conclude on January 19, 2025. The tournament features 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams from around the globe, competing in a fast-paced, seven-a-side format.
Both Indian teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy throughout the tournament, consistently achieving high scores and maintaining unbeaten records. Their performances have not only secured semi-final berths but have also energized the home crowd, fostering a renewed interest in this traditional sport.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses to the semi-final stage, anticipation is building for potential matchups against other top-performing teams. The Indian squads are focused on maintaining their momentum, with aspirations of clinching the championship titles in both categories.
The success of the Indian teams in the Kho Kho World Cup underscores the nation’s rich heritage in indigenous sports and highlights the effectiveness of recent efforts to promote and professionalize kho kho on an international platform.
Fans can continue to support and follow the matches through live broadcasts on Star Sports and streaming services like Disney+ Hotstar, ensuring widespread accessibility and engagement with the sport.
In conclusion, the Indian men’s and women’s kho kho teams have showcased remarkable talent and determination, advancing to the semi-finals with decisive victories. Their journey in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup reflects a significant milestone in bringing traditional Indian sports to the global arena.