Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has expressed her enthusiasm for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, emphasizing the importance of promoting this indigenous sport as India aims to host the 2036 Olympics. The tournament, a milestone for the sport, began with a grand opening ceremony in New Delhi on Monday, January 13, 2025, and will continue until January 19.
The opening day witnessed India’s men’s team securing a significant victory against Nepal. In women’s action, England and Australia are set to face off on Tuesday, further broadening the sport’s international appeal.
Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Usha reflected on her own experiences with the sport, stating, “I am so happy. This is so nicely organized. I played Kho Kho and enjoyed it. When you will start playing it, you would not worry about anything, will go all out and later get pain everywhere. Every part of body is at work. It is in the National Games as well. It should be in the Olympics soon.” She highlighted the physical intensity and appeal of the game, advocating for its inclusion in prestigious global sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
Usha also reiterated the seriousness of India’s aspirations to host the Olympics in 2036, describing it as a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We always want our homegrown sports to be a part of big events like Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Olympics etc. Kho Kho has to be promoted. There is still a long way to go (on India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics). This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and we are really serious about it,” she said, linking the promotion of indigenous sports to India’s broader sporting ambitions.
The event garnered further support from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion Dalip Singh, famously known as “The Great Khali.” Singh attended the opening ceremony and match, voicing his happiness at the enthusiastic response from fans.
“It feels good. This is our sport which was slowly getting extinct. But I saw immense craze and excitement among people. It was really great. It is nice that Kho Kho has been given such a big platform. This will help misguided youth stay away from all the vices, get jobs and play,” Singh remarked, expressing hope for the sport’s revival and its potential societal benefits.
He further noted, “It will raise the popularity of the sport. Like cricket is watched worldwide, the same will be the case with Kho Kho in coming years.” Singh’s comments underlined the importance of events like the World Cup in providing a global stage for indigenous sports, fostering pride, and generating opportunities for youth.
India’s men’s team delivered an impressive start to their campaign, edging out Nepal with a hard-fought 42-37 victory at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Under the leadership of captain and team Wazir Pratik Waikar, India showcased an all-around performance that electrified the opening day and established them as strong contenders for the championship title. Their coordinated efforts set a solid foundation for the rest of the tournament, exemplifying the skill and dedication the sport demands.
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 marks a significant step in the sport’s journey towards greater international recognition. As fans cheered from the stands, the event served as a reminder of the rich heritage of this fast-paced game and its potential to captivate audiences worldwide. With efforts underway to raise the profile of Kho Kho, there is optimism that it will soon join the ranks of globally celebrated sports.