The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially launched the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, unveiling the prestigious trophies and charismatic mascots in a grand ceremony held at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi on January 3. The tournament, scheduled from January 13-19, will bring together 21 men's and 20 women's teams from 24 countries across six continents, making it a historic event for the indigenous sport.
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025, supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), will take place at the renowned Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, showcasing the global appeal of Kho Kho. The event is set to elevate the sport, which has deep roots in India, to the international stage. Teams from diverse corners of the globe will compete for the highly coveted titles, aiming to become the world’s best in both men’s and women’s categories.
A special highlight of the event is the introduction of two magnificent trophies for the men’s and women’s competitions. The men's championship will be represented by a blue trophy, symbolizing trust, determination, and universal appeal. The green trophy for the women’s competition represents growth, vitality, and energy. Both trophies feature intricate crystal detailing and flowing curves, which embody the precision and excellence required at the highest level of competition. These awards are designed to serve as a tribute to the dynamic spirit of Kho Kho and the athletes who play it.
In addition to the trophies, the KKFI introduced the official mascots for the tournament—‘Tejas’ and ‘Tara.’ Representing the core attributes of the sport, these mascots are dynamic gazelles that embody speed, agility, and teamwork. Tejas, in vibrant blue, symbolizes brilliance and energy, while Tara, in bright orange, represents guidance and aspiration. Both mascots wear traditional Indian motifs on their attire, reflecting the blend of heritage and modernity that the tournament seeks to showcase.
The tournament has received strong backing from several partners, each contributing to its success. Shiv Naresh will be the official kitting partner, ensuring participants are outfitted in high-quality gear. Blackberry and Tata Taneira will provide ceremonial dress for the event, adding a touch of elegance to the competition. Nayan Naveli Gallery joins as the contemporary art partner, enhancing the event's cultural richness. In addition, Grant Thornton and Deloitte will support the event in strategic and knowledge management capacities, respectively, ensuring that the tournament is not only successful but also operationally efficient.
Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the KKFI, expressed his excitement about the tournament and the support it has garnered. "We are very grateful to all our stakeholders who will be supporting the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. This event will be live-streamed for free on Disney+ Hotstar and broadcasted on DD Sports, marking a major boost for the sport. This World Cup is the first step towards taking Kho Kho to the Olympics, and with the help of our partners, we aim to showcase the beauty and excitement of the sport to the world."
The World Cup not only represents a celebration of Kho Kho but also an opportunity to take the sport to new heights. Shri MS Tyagi, General Secretary of the KKFI, emphasized the global nature of the event, stating, "The overwhelming response from 24 nations reflects the universal appeal of Kho Kho and its potential to unite cultures through sport. With world-class infrastructure and support from our esteemed partners, we are confident that this tournament will set new standards of excellence."
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is not just a tournament but a watershed moment in the history of Kho Kho. By bringing together international teams, the event will showcase India’s rich sporting heritage while positioning Kho Kho as a modern, dynamic, and globally relevant sport. As teams compete for glory, the world will witness the power of Kho Kho and the spirit of teamwork, agility, and speed that defines the game.
