New Delhi:
As the world’s eyes turn to India, the country is set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This landmark event, organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from 23 countries, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s global journey.
Leading the charge for India are Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle, who have been appointed as the captains of the men’s and women’s teams, respectively. Waikar, an Eklavya Award winner, has been a stalwart in the sport since he began playing at the age of eight. With a distinguished career that includes captaining Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League and leading Maharashtra to gold in the 56th Senior National Championship, Waikar brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement and pride,” Waikar said, reflecting on his appointment. “Being named the captain of the Indian team for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup on home soil is the biggest achievement of my career.”
The men’s team is further bolstered by the presence of Ashwani Kumar Sharma, a veteran coach with over five decades of dedication to Kho Kho. Sharma’s impressive credentials include leading the men’s team to gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and securing victory with the Odisha Juggernauts in the first season of the Ultimate Kho Kho League.
On the women’s side, Priyanka Ingle stands out as a seasoned player with 15 years of national-level experience. Ingle has won numerous accolades, including the Ila Award and the Rani Laxmi Bai Award, and has been instrumental in India’s gold medal win at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship 2022-23. She is currently employed at the Income Tax Department in Mumbai while maintaining a rigorous training regimen.
“I feel honored to be selected as the captain of the Indian women’s team for this historic World Cup,” Ingle stated. “I am committed to fulfilling the trust placed in me and to bringing home the gold medal for India.”
The women’s team will be coached by Sumit Bhatia, an accomplished coach with multiple national and international medals under his belt. Bhatia’s coaching prowess has been evident in his roles as Chief Coach of the Women’s Team at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship 2023 and as an International Referee at global events.
KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “The selection of our national teams marks a historic moment for Kho Kho. With 23 countries participating, this tournament will highlight India’s sporting heritage on the global stage. We are confident that under the leadership of Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle, along with our experienced coaching staff, we will deliver exceptional performances.”
Shri MS Tyagi, General Secretary of the KKFI, added, “Our selection process was meticulous and transparent, ensuring we have the strongest possible teams representing India. The tremendous response from participating nations underscores the growing global appeal of Kho Kho. With world-class facilities at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and exceptional talent in both our men’s and women’s teams, we are fully prepared to host a landmark tournament.”
The Team India squads were finalized after an intensive training camp at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi from December 10, 2024. The KKFI Selection Committee, led by President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal and General Secretary Shri MS Tyagi, played a crucial role in selecting the final 15 players for each team.
