Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India men’s and women’s teams win Kho Kho World Cup

This was the first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup, organised with the backing of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The tournament featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams.

India-Kho-Kho-World-Cup

THE INDIAN men’s kho kho team secured the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup title by defeating Nepal 54-36 in the final on Sunday.

The victory came shortly after the Indian women’s team also emerged victorious in their final, beating Nepal with a commanding scoreline of 78-40.


This was the first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup, organised with the backing of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The tournament featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams.

In the men’s final, India’s captain Pratik Waikar and standout player Ramji Kashyap led from the front. India attacked first, with Ramji Kashyap’s sky dive dismissing Nepal’s Suraj Pujara and Suyash Gargate touching Bharat Sahu to secure 10 points within the first four minutes. India’s aggressive approach ensured a 26-0 lead by the end of Turn 1.

Nepal managed to reduce the gap during Turn 2, with contributions from Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, but India still held a 26-18 advantage going into the second half.

In Turn 3, the Indian team, led by Pratik Waikar and supported by Ramji Kashyap and Aditya Ganpule, extended the lead to 54-18.

Despite Nepal’s efforts in the final turn, the Indian defence, led by Waikar, Sachin Bhargo, Mehul, and Suman Barman, held firm to secure the title.

The Indian men’s team dominated the tournament from the group stages, defeating Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan. They overcame Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals to reach the final.

In the women’s final, India took early control after Nepal won the toss and chose to defend. Quick points and a double from captain Priyanka Ingle helped India to a 34-0 lead by the end of Turn 1.

While Nepal reduced the deficit to 35-24 in Turn 2, India regained dominance in Turn 3, eliminating six batches of defenders to take a 73-24 lead.

Strong defensive play in the final turn sealed the win for India.

The Indian women’s team also went unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Bangladesh and South Africa in the knockout stages after topping Group A.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi congratulated both teams on their victories. In a post on X, he praised the women’s team for their “unparalleled skill, determination, and teamwork,” and expressed hope that the triumph would inspire more youngsters to pursue the sport.


In another post, he lauded the men’s team, describing their grit and dedication as commendable, and noted that the victory would help popularise Kho Kho among the youth.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Column: How much longer will Rachel Reeves stay on as chancellor?

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves

Column: How much longer will Rachel Reeves stay on as chancellor?

THERE are a few Labour MPs who think “Rachel from accounts will be gone sooner than you think”.

She has certainly outdone Liz Truss in trashing the economy, but the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, will be loath to sack Rachel Reeves as chancellor because his own future is tied up with hers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bank-of-England-Getty

The BoE also revised its economic growth forecast for 2025, reducing it by half. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Bank of England cuts rates, lowers growth outlook

THE BANK OF ENGLAND (BoE) has cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4.5 per cent, with some policymakers supporting a bigger reduction to counter economic slowdown. However, the central bank signalled a cautious approach to future cuts, citing inflation concerns and global uncertainty.

The BoE also revised its economic growth forecast for 2025, reducing it by half. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been advocating for faster economic growth, faces a challenge as inflation is now projected to be nearly double the 2 per cent target this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Badenoch proposes stricter citizenship rules for all migrants

Kemi Badenoch delivers speech on January 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Badenoch proposes stricter citizenship rules for all migrants

CONSERVATIVE PARTY on Thursday (6) proposed a clampdown on all migrants by tightening citizenship rules and barring social benefit claimants from residency rights.

Kemi Badenoch, who took over from Rishi Sunak in November last year, outlined her first major policy agenda as Tory leader in a move seen as an attempt to win back the support of Conservative voters drawn to the far-right anti-immigrant Reform party.

Keep ReadingShow less