Kho Kho World Cup Debuts in India

In a historic moment for the ancient sport of kho kho, India is hosting the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, featuring 23 teams from around the globe, with hopes to secure its place in the Olympics.

The sport, which has been played for over 2,000 years in southern Asia, has gained significant popularity in India, particularly through the Ultimate Kho Kho League, a franchise-based league that has brought the sport to indoor mats and digital platforms. This league has become one of the most-watched non-cricket sports tournaments in India, demonstrating the sport's growing appeal. The World Cup's organizer is optimistic that this tournament will be a crucial step towards kho kho's inclusion in the Olympics, a goal that aligns with India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Kho kho, a tag-based sport played on a rectangular court where teams switch between attack and defense, was played as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Olympics but has not been included in the Summer Games since. Despite its popularity in countries like Pakistan, which is notably absent from the World Cup due to strained relations with India, the sport is gaining traction in over 55 countries, including Germany, Brazil, and Kenya. The absence of Pakistan, a significant player in the sport, highlights the complexities of geopolitical relations affecting international sports events.

The success of the Indian men's and women's Kho Kho teams in the inaugural edition of the World Cup, winning against Nepal in both finals, has been met with widespread celebration. The victories were congratulated by sports legends like Sachin Tendulkar, underscoring the significance of the event. As the sport looks towards the future, the sentiment among players and organizers is unanimous: the ultimate goal is to see kho kho included in the Olympics, a dream that seems more achievable than ever.