New Delhi, Jan 21: India completed a historic double triumph at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup as the men’s team defeated Nepal 54-36 in the final on Sunday, just hours after the women’s team lifted their own championship trophy.
The men’s victory was a commanding performance, led by captain Pratik Waikar and standout player Ramji Kashyap. “We were confident throughout the tournament, and our teamwork made this possible,” Waikar said after the game.
The Indian men started strong in Turn 1 with an explosive display of skill and strategy. A spectacular sky dive by Ramji Kashyap dismissed Nepal’s Suraj Pujara, while Suyash Gargate added another key touch, eliminating Bharat Sahu. The dominance showed early as India amassed a 26-0 lead by the end of the turn.
Although Nepal managed to slow India’s momentum in Turn 2, preventing a single Dream Run, they still couldn’t match the host team’s intensity. Pratik Waikar and Aditya Ganpule stood firm as India maintained a 26-18 advantage heading into the second half.
Turn 3 saw India at their best. Waikar dazzled with multiple sky dives, supported by Kashyap and Aditya Ganpule, as the home side extended their lead to 54-18 before the final turn.
Nepal fought valiantly in Turn 4, with players like Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara pushing hard, but India’s defenders, including Sachin Bhargo, Mehul, and Suman Barman, proved impenetrable.
“The team gave it everything, and the support from the home crowd was incredible,” Ramji Kashyap remarked.
India’s success wasn’t confined to the final. Throughout the tournament, the men’s team delivered dominant performances, defeating Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group stages, crushing Bangladesh in the quarterfinals, and prevailing over South Africa in the semifinals.
The women’s team had earlier defeated Nepal in their final, completing an unforgettable day for Indian Kho Kho.
