India will host the 'Kho Kho World Cup 2025' first time

Tournament Announcement and Structure

• The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation announced the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup to be held in India in 2025.
• The event will feature 24 countries from 6 continents.
• 16 men's and 16 women's teams will participate.
• The tournament will consist of a week-long series of matches.
• Top-tier athletes from around the world will showcase their skills, agility, and teamwork.

Cultural Significance and Global Expansion

• Kho Kho has its roots in India, representing rich cultural heritage.
• The sport has evolved from being played on mud to professional mats.
• Currently, 54 countries across the world play Kho Kho.
• The World Cup aims to highlight the sport's competitive spirit and cultural importance.
• This event marks a significant step in elevating an indigenous Indian sport to the international stage.

Promotion and Development Initiatives

• KKFI plans to introduce Kho Kho to 200 elite schools across 10 cities before the World Cup.
• A membership drive targeting school students aims to register at least 50 lakh players.
• These initiatives focus on grassroots development and talent identification.
• The federation aims to increase the sport's visibility and build a strong player base.
• These efforts are designed to promote cultural exchange and showcase Kho Kho's intensity and appeal globally.

Olympic Aspirations and Future Impact

• The ultimate goal is to see Kho Kho recognized as an Olympic sport by 2032.
• KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal views the World Cup as the first step towards Olympic recognition.
• Hosting this landmark tournament is expected to boost Kho Kho's chances of entering the Olympics.
• The event is positioned as a platform for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
• Success of the World Cup could lead to:
  • Enhanced international participation
  • Increased investment in the sport
  • Development of professional leagues worldwide
  • Stronger case for Olympic inclusion

Kho Kho: A South Asian Traditional Sport

• Kho Kho is a traditional South Asian sport dating back to ancient India.
• It is the second-most popular traditional tag game in the Indian subcontinent after kabaddi.
• The game is played on a rectangular court with a central lane connecting two poles at either end.
• The chasing team consists of nine players, with eight sitting in the central lane and three runners from the defending team running around the court.
• One player from the chasing team can tag members of the defending team, with one point scored per tag.
• The game is played on a rectangular court with two turns to score and two turns to defend, each lasting nine minutes.
• The team that scores the most points by the end of the game wins.
• Kho Kho is played most often by school children and is a competitive sport.
• The first franchise league for the sport, Ultimate Kho Kho, was unveiled in India in August 2022.