India is ready to make its mark in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, as the country announced its 15-member squads for both the men’s and women’s teams. The tournament, scheduled to begin on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, will see participation from 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from across the globe.
The stage is set! 🏆✨
The Trophy & Mascot for the Kho Kho World Cup India 2025 have been unveiled at the grand inaugural ceremony! Get ready for an exciting week of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments!
Let the games begin! 🔥#KhoKhoWorldCup #KhoKho2025… pic.twitter.com/DCppupLrHc
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 13, 2025
The event, organized under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), marks another milestone for the indigenous sport, which has been steadily gaining international recognition.
The Indian men’s team has been drawn into Group A, where they will compete against Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan. Their campaign kicks off on the tournament’s opening day with a match against Nepal. Meanwhile, the women’s team, also placed in Group A, will face South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia in their group-stage matches, beginning January 14.
Both teams will aim to finish in the top two of their respective groups to secure spots in the quarter-finals on January 17. The tournament will culminate with the semi-finals on January 18 and the finals on January 19, where champions will be crowned in both categories.
The Indian squads were finalized after an intensive training camp held in December at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
Indian Men’s Kho Kho Team
Players: Pratik Waikar (Captain), Prabani Sabar, Mehul, Sachin Bhargo, Suyash Gargate, Ramji Kashyap, Siva Pothir Reddy, Aditya Ganpule, Gowtham M.K., Nikhil B, Akash Kumar, Subramani V., Suman Barman, Aniket Pote, S. Rokeson Singh.
Standby: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil, Vishwanath Janakiram.
Indian Women’s Kho Kho Team
Players: Priyanka Ingle (Captain), Ashwini Shinde, Reshma Rathore, Bhilar Devjibhai, Nirmala Bhati, Neeta Devi, Chaithra R., Subhashree Sing, Magai Majhi, Anshu Kumari, Vaishnavi Bajrang, Nasreen Shaikh, Meenu, Monika, Nazia Bibi.
Standby: Sampada More, Ritika Siloriya, Priyanka Bhopi.