New Delhi: The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), in collaboration with the International Kho Kho Federation, announced the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in 2025.
The landmark event will see participation from 24 countries across six continents, with 16 men's and 16 women's teams competing.
Rooted in India, Kho Kho has grown from a traditional mud-based sport to a global competition played on mats, with 54 nations now involved. The upcoming World Cup is expected to celebrate not only the sport's cultural heritage but also its competitive spirit.
In preparation for the tournament, the KKFI plans to introduce Kho Kho to 200 elite schools across 10 cities, promoting the sport and aiming to register at least 50 lakh players through a dedicated membership drive.
"We are incredibly excited to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup," said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of KKFI. "This tournament is about more than just competition; it represents unity among nations, cultural exchange, and a platform to showcase the intensity and beauty of Kho Kho. Our ultimate goal is to have Kho Kho recognized as an Olympic sport by 2032, and this World Cup marks the first step toward that dream."
The week-long event will see athletes from around the world displaying their skills and teamwork. KKFI hopes this global stage will elevate Kho Kho and secure its inclusion in the Olympics by 2032.