Opina Bhilar: The Rising Star Behind India’s First Kho Kho World Cup Victory
India clinched its maiden Kho Kho World Cup title at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi, defeating Nepal with an emphatic score of 78-40. Gujarat’s Opina Bhilar, a 23-year-old defender, emerged as a standout performer, contributing two crucial points and holding her ground for an impressive 45 minutes during the final match.
Opina's journey from Biliamba village in Gujarat's Dang district to the global stage has been nothing short of inspirational. Her father, Devjibhai Bhilar, a farmer who cultivates rice and finger millet on six bighas of land, expressed immense pride in his daughter’s achievement. "We are very happy today. This is a moment of great pride for our family and village. A grand rally is being planned to welcome her back," he told reporters.
Speaking after the victory, Opina said, "Winning the World Cup was my dream. This international platform has not only helped me realize that dream but also given me invaluable experience."
The Journey to Success
Opina’s passion for Kho Kho began during her time at Biliamba Primary School. Despite the lack of proper facilities, the school has since produced 85 players for Gujarat's Kho Kho team. Recognized for her talent, she was admitted to the District Level Sports School (DLSS) in Tapi after Class 8.
Her coach, Sunil Mistry, recalls her dedication: "She joined DLSS in 2014 as a Proven Talent player. Over the years, she represented Gujarat in four senior nationals and captained the state in two National Games."
In 2023, her outstanding performance during the senior nationals in Delhi earned her a spot at the national camp, paving the way for her World Cup success.
Overcoming Challenges
Opina’s path to success was not smooth. In 2018, her brief switch to athletics led to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in 2019, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process during the Covid-19 lockdown. However, her determination brought her back to Kho Kho in 2021, and she has not looked back since.
"Her resilience and willpower are truly commendable," Coach Mistry stated.
A Rising Star in Indian Kho Kho
Opina’s experience in the World Cup has been transformative. She shared, "India has a rich tradition of Kho Kho, and our women players are among the best. Competing internationally has helped me learn new techniques and refine my game."
Acknowledging her teammates, she said, "Playing alongside experienced players like Priyanka and Nasreen has been a learning experience. They’ve taught me valuable lessons about timing and strategy."
A Dream Realized
Opina’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and triumph. As India celebrates its first Kho Kho World Cup victory, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
