Students and teachers attend the Opening Ceremony of the World Kho Kho Cup

The Kho Kho World Cup is the pinnacle of international competition for the sport of Kho Kho, governed by the International Kho Kho Federation to promote and globalise it.

The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup is hosted by India, the birthplace of kho kho. The event was set to take place in 2025, from January 13 to 19, at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi. A total of 23 nations from six continents participated, featuring 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams. The Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation have organised the event in collaboration

The opening ceremony was a colourful celebration of Indian culture, featuring traditional dances from various regions of the country. The lively folk performances energised the crowd and set a festive atmosphere for the tournament. One of the highlights was a captivating act depicting the journey of Kho Kho from a traditional Indian sport to a global competition, emphasising teamwork and sportsmanship. . Each team proudly wore their national attire and waved their flags as they walked into the stadium, showcasing the unique cultures and traditions of their respective countries.

The ceremony featured several inspiring speeches. The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a motivating address, encouraging all athletes and emphasizing the importance of sports in building unity. Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho World Cup, expressed his gratitude to the host nation and participating teams, highlighting the growing international reach of the sport. Legendary athlete PT Usha also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the values of discipline, perseverance, and national pride.

Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff have been named brand ambassadors for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. Their involvement in promoting the tournament added excitement and anticipation, inspiring athletes and fans alike with their passion for fitness and sports.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official Kho Kho World Cup trophies. Two magnificent trophies were introduced: a blue trophy for the men’s championship and a green trophy for the women’s event. The trophies were presented alongside the tournament mascots, Tejas and Tara, a dynamic duo of gazelles symbolising the spirit of the game. The crowd cheered as the trophies were revealed, marking the beginning of the global competition.

The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including sports ministers, government officials, and sports icons, all of whom paid tribute to the spirit of Kho Kho and its historical significance.

The Parade of Nations followed, with each team walking around the field to the sound of their national anthems, proudly representing their countries. The crowd cheered for every nation, fostering a sense of international camaraderie and unity.

The opening ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky. The pyrotechnics, synchronised with music, added an emotional and thrilling touch to the event, leaving the audience in awe.

The Indian School’s Physical Education Department, along with some students from classes 9 and 11, witnessed the grandeur of the event firsthand. Their participation added a sense of pride and inspiration, encouraging young enthusiasts to appreciate and support this indigenous sport.

With the official start of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, the stage was set for an exciting tournament. In the opening match, the Indian men’s team defeated Nepal 42–37, setting a thrilling tone for the competition.

The tournament promises to be a landmark event in the history of Kho Kho, uniting global talent and showcasing India’s sporting heritage on the world stage.