Kho Kho World Cup

Kho Kho World Cup
Upcoming season or competition:; 2025 Kho Kho World Cup
Sport	Kho kho
Founded	2025; 0 years ago
Motto	The World Goes Kho
No. of teams	16
Region	International
Venue(s)	IGI Stadium, New Delhi, India
Official website	Website

The Kho Kho World Cup is an international kho kho tournament.^[1] It is sanctioned by the International Kho Kho Federation.^[2]

The first Kho Kho World Cup will take place in New Delhi, India from 13 to 19 January 2025.^[3] It will witness the participation of 23 countries from six continents, featuring 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams.^[4] It will be played under the seven-a-side fast format, which is used for Ultimate Kho Kho.^[5]

History

The Kho Kho World Cup is the pinnacle of international competition for the sport of kho kho, first conceptualized by the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) to promote and globalize this traditional Indian game.

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is set to take place in 2025, from January 13 to 19, at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi, India. This tournament will mark a historic milestone, showcasing the sport’s growth and its acceptance as a competitive global discipline.

The World Cup was envisioned to provide a platform for players from different countries to compete at the highest level, fostering cultural exchange and sportsmanship. A total of 23 nations from six continents will participate, featuring 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams.

The tournament’s format includes group stages followed by knockout rounds, adopting a seven-a-side fast-paced format inspired by Ultimate Kho Kho. The event is expected to boost kho kho’s global appeal, attracting attention from sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Future editions of the Kho Kho World Cup are planned to be hosted in other countries, further strengthening the sport’s international footprint and encouraging its inclusion in major multi-sport events.

Hosts

The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup is hosted by India, the birthplace of kho kho. The tournament will be held at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, one of the largest indoor stadiums in the country, known for hosting various international sporting events.

India's role as the host underscores its pivotal position in promoting and developing kho kho, both domestically and internationally. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), in collaboration with the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), is responsible for organizing the event.

The choice of New Delhi as the venue reflects the city’s excellent sports infrastructure and its ability to accommodate athletes, officials, and spectators from around the world. The event not only highlights India’s commitment to preserving its traditional sport but also aims to showcase kho kho on a global stage, fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Hosting the World Cup is expected to boost the sport's popularity in India and abroad, encouraging more nations to participate in future editions.

Format

The matches will adopt a fast-paced seven-a-side format, similar to the one used in Ultimate Kho Kho.

Group Stage

Teams will be divided into groups for the initial round-robin phase. Each team will compete against others in their group to determine standings.

Knockout Stage

The top teams from the group stage will advance to the knockout rounds, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final match.

Team Composition

Each team consists of 15 players, accompanied by one coach and one manager.

Officiating

Matches will be conducted under the supervision of international technical officials to ensure adherence to standardized rules set by the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF).

No Cash Prizes

Winners will not receive monetary rewards but will be honored with trophies, medals, and other recognitions.

Trophy

The 2025 Kho Kho World Cup Trophy is the official award presented to the winning teams in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Designed to symbolize the essence of kho kho, the trophy reflects the sport's **speed, agility, and teamwork**.

The trophy is crafted with intricate details, incorporating elements that represent the sport's rich cultural heritage and its evolution into an international event. It serves not only as a prize but also as a testament to the players' dedication, skill, and hard work throughout the tournament.

In addition to the trophies, the winning teams will also receive **medals** and certificates to honor their achievements. The trophy presentation ceremony will be held on the final day of the tournament, celebrating the champions' success in front of a global audience.

While no cash prizes are offered, the trophy holds significant prestige, marking a historic milestone in the journey of kho kho as a globally recognized sport. It aims to inspire players and nations to continue promoting and excelling in this traditional game on an international stage.