Hosts Secure a Narrow 42-37 Victory in Opening Match at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
New Delhi, January 14: India opened its Kho Kho World Cup 2025 campaign with a thrilling 42-37 victory over Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Monday. The team, led by captain Pratik Waikar, showcased an all-round performance to set the stage for a promising tournament.
The hosts started strong, wrapping up Nepal’s first three defenders within just 60 seconds of Turn 1. With flying leaps from Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap, India surged ahead, amassing a 14-point lead by the midway mark of the first turn.
Key Highlights
- Spectacular Moves: Sachin Bhargo, replacing Waikar as the ‘Wazir,’ executed a stunning skydive to help India secure 24 points at the break, denying Nepal a “Dream Run” (a scenario where defenders survive for three minutes).
- Nepal’s Comeback: In Turn 2, Nepal’s Jogendra Rana scored 20 points, keeping his team competitive with sharp dives and strategic play.
- India’s Dominance: Despite Nepal achieving the tournament’s first Dream Run through Bharat Saru, India extended their lead to 42 points.
- Nail-Biting Finish: Nepal’s Jhalak BK reduced the deficit to just five points in Turn 4, but India held on for the win.
The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) praised both teams for their spirited display and commended India’s defensive and offensive strategies.
With this victory, Team India aims to build momentum as they advance in the tournament, seeking to claim the ultimate trophy on home soil.
Stay tuned for updates on the Kho Kho World Cup 2025!