The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 has garnered historic global participation, featuring 24 countries.

New Delhi (India), October 25: The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) announced on Friday the participation of 24 nations in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, set to be held from January 13-19, 2025, at IGI Stadium in New Delhi. 

This landmark event signifies the evolution of this indigenous Indian sport into a global spectacle, with countries from six continents competing for the title of world champion. 

The championship will feature a diverse lineup of nations, including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda from Africa; hosts India, alongside Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka from Asia; England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland from Europe; Canada and the United States from North America; Brazil and Peru from South America; and Australia and New Zealand from Oceania.

The tournament will have both men's and women's divisions, with 16 teams in each category, ensuring a highly competitive atmosphere that highlights the speed, strategy, and excellence inherent in Kho Kho.

In the men's category, notable African representatives include Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, while the Asian contingent features hosts India, along with Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, and South Korea. England and the Netherlands will represent Europe, and North America will field teams from Canada and the United States, with Brazil completing the lineup.

The women's division will also be highly competitive, featuring Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda from Africa, and hosts India, Bhutan, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka from Asia. The European teams consist of England, Germany, and Poland, while Peru represents South America and New Zealand rounds out the women's bracket.

Notably, Pakistan has secured spots in both the men's and women's divisions, enhancing the tournament's competitive landscape.

KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal expressed that this championship signifies a monumental step for Kho Kho, transforming it from a cherished local sport to a global phenomenon. He stated, "With India at the forefront of this sporting revolution, the 2025 World Cup will be a significant milestone in advancing Kho Kho's presence in the global sports ecosystem."

KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi remarked that the participation of 24 nations underscores Kho Kho's expanding international appeal. "Our vision is to establish this traditional Indian sport as a truly global game, and this World Cup will be a pivotal step toward achieving that ambition," he said.

The World Cup's official tagline, #TheWorldGoesKho, was unveiled during a grand event at Thyagraj Stadium, where an exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India showcased an exciting preview of the competition. Maharashtra claimed victory in a closely contested match, ending 26-24.