By SRTeam In a historic achievement, the Indian men’s kho kho team emerged victorious in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, defeating Nepal with a decisive score of 54-36 in the final match held at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This triumph follows the Indian women’s team’s success over Nepal in their respective final, marking a double victory for the host nation.
Dominant Performance in the Final
The Indian team, led by captain Pratik Waikar, showcased exceptional skill and strategy throughout the match. Star player Ramji Kashyap set the tone early with a spectacular sky dive, capturing Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Within the first four minutes, India secured 10 points, with Suyash Gargate successfully tagging Bharat Sahu. The team’s aggressive approach in Turn 1 resulted in a commanding 26-0 lead, effectively stifling Nepal’s offensive efforts.
In Turn 2, Nepal improved their defense, preventing India from achieving a Dream Run. Despite consistent efforts from Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India’s combination of Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar maintained a 26-18 advantage at halftime.
Turn 3 further highlighted India’s superiority, with Pratik Waikar executing multiple successful sky dives, supported by the tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. Aditya Ganpule’s outstanding performance extended India’s lead to 54-18 before the final turn.
In Turn 4, Nepal’s determined attempts to stage a comeback were thwarted by India’s solid defense, led by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, with notable contributions from Mehul and Suman Barman. The match concluded with a final score of 54-36 in favor of India.
Journey to the Championship
India’s path to the championship was marked by a series of decisive victories. In the group stages, the team secured wins against Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan. The quarterfinals saw India overpowering Bangladesh, followed by a commanding performance against South Africa in the semifinals, setting the stage for the final showdown with Nepal.
Significance of the Victory
The success of both the men’s and women’s teams in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup signifies a momentous occasion for India’s indigenous sport. The tournament, featuring 24 nations across six continents, aimed to elevate kho kho to a global platform. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) partnered with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) to host the event, underscoring the nation’s commitment to promoting traditional sports on the world stage.
Future Prospects
The double victory is expected to have a lasting impact on the sport’s development in India and beyond. KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal expressed optimism, stating, “This triumph is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaches. We hope it inspires a new generation to take up kho kho and helps in furthering its international recognition.”
The success of the inaugural World Cup has set a precedent for future international competitions, with plans to expand participation and enhance the sport’s global reach. The IOA has announced intentions to establish dedicated training facilities and high-performance centers to nurture talent and maintain India’s competitive edge in upcoming tournaments.
Conclusion
India’s comprehensive victory in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup not only highlights the nation’s prowess in this traditional sport but also marks a significant step toward its global recognition. The achievements of both the men’s and women’s teams have set a high standard for future competitions, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in India’s sporting community