India will soon witness the first-ever World Cup of Kho Kho at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi. Scheduled from January 13 to 19, 2025, this is the first opportunity for one of India's most beloved indigenous games to receive more visibility on a world platform.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has partnered with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), offering comprehensive support to make the tournament a grand success. has partnered with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), offering comprehensive support to make the tournament a grand success.

IOA President PT Usha, in her message to KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal, emphasized the importance of collaboration. She further reiterated that IOA remains committed to elevating Kho Kho and ensuring this event also gains widespread recognition.

"We recognize the significance of this event in celebrating our cultural heritage and promoting traditional sports, and we look forward to collaborating with the Kho Kho Federation of India to ensure the success of the tournament. Together, we aim to make this event memorable and impactful, encouraging the spirit of sportsmanship among participants and fostering a deeper appreciation for Kho Kho worldwide," PT Usha said, according to KKFI release.

KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal expressed gratitude and termed IOA's support as a turning point for the sport.

"The support of the IOA, led by President PT Usha, is a game-changer for Kho Kho. This collaboration is pivotal in putting Kho Kho on the global map, and we're thrilled to be hosting the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, a truly historic event for the sport," Mittal said.

Which countries are competing in the Kho Kho World Cup?

The event will see 24 teams from six continents, with both the men's and women's cups. Other Asian participants besides India's hosts will be Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will further see teams coming from countries like Ghana, Kenya, England, Germany, Brazil, and Australia as its global appeal gains momentum.

This fast-paced, multi-nation tournament promises to send the sport of Kho Kho soaring to greater heights, generating interest at the global level and inspiring athletes around the world. Of course, IOA support will ensure that the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup is there to stay and the sport gets the international recognition it should be receiving.

With the countdown beginning, India gears up to celebrate its cultural heritage and kindle flames of passion for the sport of Kho Kho across the world.