kho kho world cup 2025 schedule, India’s traditional tag-and-chase sport, has come a long way from school playgrounds to international indoor stadiums. Known for its breathtaking pace, tactical brilliance, and athletic intensity, the game has now captured global attention. The kho kho world cup 2025 schedule is the biggest milestone for the sport, showcasing the very best players from around the world.
Fans eagerly wait for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 schedule each edition. It’s not just about dates and times; the schedule reflects rivalries, strategies, and unforgettable contests. From group matches to the electrifying finals, every fixture adds a layer of drama to this spectacular event.
Kho Kho World Cup 2025 Schedule
Here’s a structured view of the fixtures and stages of the latest edition, hosted in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Arena.
| Date | Match (Men/Women) | Group | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Jan 13, 2025 | India vs Brazil (Men) | A | Indira Gandhi Arena | 8:15 PM |
| Jan 13, 2025 | Nepal vs Bhutan (Women) | C | Indira Gandhi Arena | 10:00 AM |
| Jan 14, 2025 | South Africa vs Ghana (Men) | B | Indira Gandhi Arena | 10:30 AM |
| Jan 14, 2025 | England vs Australia (Women) | B | Indira Gandhi Arena | 11:45 AM |
| Jan 15, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Iran (Men) | C | Indira Gandhi Arena | 11:15 AM |
| Jan 15, 2025 | India vs South Korea (Women) | A | Indira Gandhi Arena | 7:00 PM |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Kenya vs Netherlands (Women) | B | Indira Gandhi Arena | 3:15 PM |
| Jan 16, 2025 | England vs Germany (Men) | D | Indira Gandhi Arena | 11:15 AM |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Quarterfinal 1 (Men) | — | Indira Gandhi Arena | Evening |
| Jan 18, 2025 | Semifinal 1 (Women) | — | Indira Gandhi Arena | Evening |
| Jan 19, 2025 | Men’s Final – India vs Nepal | — | Indira Gandhi Arena | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 19, 2025 | Women’s Final – India vs Nepal | — | Indira Gandhi Arena | 6:00 PM |
Introduction to thekho kho world cup 2025 schedule
The kho kho world cup 2025 schedule is the pinnacle of the sport, organized under the guidance of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and supported by international sports bodies.
- It provides a platform for 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams to compete at the highest level.
- Hosted at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, one of Asia’s largest indoor arenas.
- The event symbolizes not only competition but also the cultural export of an indigenous Indian sport to the world stage.
Why the Schedule Matters
The World Cup schedule is more than a timetable. For players, it dictates strategies, preparations, and recovery time. For fans, it’s the key to planning how they’ll follow every match.
- Players: Can analyze upcoming opponents and prepare tactics.
- Coaches: Use the schedule to balance rest, practice, and play.
- Fans: Follow daily fixtures, especially blockbuster games like India vs Nepal or England vs Australia.
Group Stage Matches Explained
The group stage is where the tournament begins to unfold:
- Men’s Tournament: 20 teams divided into 4 groups of 5.
- Women’s Tournament: 19 teams arranged in balanced pools.
- Each team plays within its group, with the top two advancing to the knockouts.
Memorable clashes from the group stages included:
- India vs Brazil (Men) – contrasting playing styles.
- Nepal vs Bhutan (Women) – a spirited regional rivalry.
- England vs Australia (Women) – showcasing Kho Kho’s growing popularity beyond Asia.
Knockout Stage & Finals
The knockout rounds intensified the drama:
- Quarterfinals: Reduced the field to 8 of the strongest teams.
- Semifinals: Determined the finalists in tense, high-energy matches.
- Finals: Both men’s and women’s finals were held on 19 January 2025, delivering unforgettable moments.
Results:
- Men’s Final: India beat Nepal 54–36.
- Women’s Final: India overcame Nepal 78–40.
Venue and Host City – New Delhi’s Pride
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium was the perfect host:
- Seating capacity: 14,000+ spectators.
- Facilities: Modern lighting, air conditioning, digital scoreboards.
- Location: Central New Delhi, with excellent international connectivity.
Hosting the event boosted India’s reputation as a hub for indigenous sports.
Teams in the World Cup
Men’s Teams (Sample List)
- India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, England, Australia, Germany, Kenya, USA.
Women’s Teams (Sample List)
- India, Nepal, Iran, Kenya, South Korea, Netherlands, England, Uganda, Bhutan, Sri Lanka.
This variety shows how Kho Kho has expanded across continents, from Asia to Europe and Africa.
Star Players to Watch Out For
- Men’s Category: India’s lightning-quick chasers, Nepal’s defensive tacticians, Sri Lanka’s agile runners.
- Women’s Category: India’s all-rounders, Iran’s powerful attackers, Kenya’s resilient sprinters.
These athletes symbolize both tradition and innovation in Kho Kho.
Broadcasting, Streaming & Live Updates
Global fans could follow every moment:
- Television: Covered by sports channels in India and partner countries.
- Streaming: Available through official apps and YouTube live streams.
- Live Scores: Updated instantly on sports websites and social media.
This ensured accessibility to audiences worldwide, even in regions where Kho Kho is still growing.
Importance of thekho kho world cup 2025 schedule in Global Sports
The World Cup’s significance goes beyond the matches:
- Cultural Impact: Promotes India’s sporting heritage globally.
- Women’s Participation: Highlights the rise of female athletes in traditional sports.
- Olympic Aspirations: Strengthens the case for Kho Kho as a potential Olympic discipline.
Challenges in Hosting the Tournament
Organizing such a large-scale event brought challenges:
- Coordinating teams from multiple continents.
- Standardizing international rules for fair play.
- Ensuring athlete safety with proper medical support.
- Handling travel and logistics for 39 competing squads.
Despite hurdles, the event was executed seamlessly, reflecting professional planning.
Final Thoughts
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 schedule is the heartbeat of the tournament, guiding fans, athletes, and coaches alike. Beyond the timings, it captures the spirit of a sport that has grown from local roots into a global celebration.
India’s clean sweep in both men’s and women’s categories cemented its supremacy, while Nepal’s remarkable journey to both finals proved the growing depth of international talent.
As the sport continues to grow, the World Cup schedule will only become more important, serving as the blueprint for global engagement in Kho Kho.
FAQs
Q1: When was the Kho Kho World Cup held?
Ans: The Kho Kho World Cup was hosted from 13 to 19 January 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Arena in New Delhi. This grand venue offered world-class facilities. Fans from across the globe gathered to witness the sport’s finest showcase.
Q2: How many teams took part in the event?
Ans: The tournament featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams from different continents. Teams came from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This wide participation reflects the growing global recognition of Kho Kho.
Q3: Which teams won the finals?
Ans: In the men’s category, India defeated Nepal 54–36 to claim the title. In the women’s final, India once again triumphed over Nepal with a score of 78–40. These results showcased India’s dominance in the sport.
Q4: How could fans watch the tournament live?
Ans: Fans were able to enjoy the matches both in stadiums and at home. The games were broadcast on national and international sports channels. Additionally, official streaming apps and YouTube provided global digital access.
Q5: Why is this World Cup important?
Ans: The World Cup elevates Kho Kho from a traditional Indian game to a recognized global sport. It strengthens India’s cultural influence while promoting inclusivity. Most importantly, it inspires young athletes to pursue Kho Kho professionally.
Q6: Which venue hosted the Kho Kho World Cup finals?
Ans: The finals were held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Arena in New Delhi, India’s premier indoor stadium. Known for its capacity and modern infrastructure, it was the perfect stage. The venue amplified the atmosphere of this historic event.
Q7: What was the format of the Kho Kho World Cup?
Ans: The tournament began with group stages where teams competed within their pools. The top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals. From there, winners progressed through the semifinals and finally to the championship match.