2025 Kho Kho World Cup
The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup was the first edition of the world championship for Kho Kho. It took place in New Delhi, India, from 13 to 19 January 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Arena. The event was organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation, using the seven-a-side fast format from Ultimate Kho Kho.
Teams were split into four groups and played through a group stage followed by knockout rounds. There were no cash prizes; winners received trophies, medals, and other recognitions. The inaugural edition introduced a blue trophy for the men’s competition and a green trophy for the women’s competition. Trophies and mascots were unveiled on 3 January 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Participants came from 23 countries across six continents, including 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams. Each squad had 15 players, one coach, one manager, and international officials. Canada (men’s only) and Pakistan had planned to participate, but Canada withdrew amid worsening Canada–India relations, and Pakistan could not obtain visas. About 35 countries had expressed interest, but participation was limited to maintain continental balance.
In the end, India won both the men’s and the women’s titles, defeating Nepal in the finals. The event saw 47 men’s matches and 43 women’s matches. Nepal led the men’s points tally with 524, while India topped the women’s scoring with 628.
Many players were named Player of the Match across the games, including players from India, Nepal, Iran, South Africa, and Uganda, among others. The 2025 World Cup showcased the fast seven-a-side format and helped expand Kho Kho’s global profile.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 14:23 (CET).