New Delhi,jan 7
The Capital City of India is all set to host the historic first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium from January 13 to 19. With 39 teams from across the globe competing, this milestone event aims to elevate Kho Kho to the status of an internationally recognised sport.The tournament will feature matches in both the Men’s and Women’s categories, promising a week of thrilling action for fans worldwide. The inaugural ceremony will be held on January 13, followed by the opening clash between hosts India and Nepal. The matches will be broadcast on Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports First, and Doordarshan’s regional channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage.Additionally, Disney+ Hotstar will provide digital streaming, making the event accessible to a global audience.The Men’s competition has 20 teams divided into four groups, with India, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan comprising Group A. Other participating nations include sporting powerhouses such as England, Australia, South Africa, and the USA.India’s opening match against Nepal, slated for 8:30 pm IST on January 13, is expected to draw significant attention as the home side seeks to make a strong start.
The league stage will conclude on January 16, followed by the playoffs and culminating in the final on January 19 at 8:15 pm IST. In the Women’s category, 19 teams are set to compete across four groups. India, placed in Group A alongside Iran, Malaysia, and South Korea, will begin their campaign on January 14 at 7:00 pm IST against South Korea. The Women’s final, scheduled for January 19 at 7:00 pm IST, will provide a fitting finale to the tournament.The playoff format ensures high-stakes encounters, as the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals. From there, the competition intensifies with knockout matches leading up to the finals.
The Kho Kho World Cup represents a significant step in promoting the sport beyond its traditional roots. It highlights the athleticism and cultural heritage inherent to Kho Kho while showcasing its global appeal. With the Indira Gandhi Stadium hosting the matches, fans can look forward to an electric atmosphere filled with camaraderie and fierce competition.As the countdown begins, all eyes are on New Delhi to witness this landmark event in the sporting world.
