The district of Benito Juárez in Argentina became the symbolic birthplace of a new sporting era as it hosted the first-ever South American Kho Kho Championship—a milestone moment for the continent. The event marked the official expansion of Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, into South America with teams competing in a dynamic mixed-gender format.
Although some nations—including Brazil—were unable to participate due to distance and logistical constraints, the championship successfully drew regional attention and set the foundation for future continental tournaments.
Argentina “A” Claims the Title as Peru Achieves a Historic Runner-Up Finish
In an emotionally charged final, Argentina “A” secured the championship by defeating a determined Peruvian squad 24–11. Their strategic coordination and speed carried them to victory before an enthusiastic local crowd.
Peru reached the final after a strong semifinal performance, triumphing 24–18 over Argentina “B”, eliminating the second Argentine team and earning their place in the historic final matchup.
A Traditional Indian Sport Embraced by South America
Kho Kho—widely celebrated in India—typically fields teams of 12 players, with 9 taking the court at once. One team chases while the other defends, with the objective of tagging opponents as quickly as possible.
For this inaugural South American championship, the sport was adapted to a 7 vs. 7 mixed format, emphasizing teamwork, agility, and inclusivity.
Team Peru: A Legacy Begins
Arriving in Argentina with passion and purpose, the Peruvian delegation competed with a clear mission: to represent Peru with pride and heart. The national squad included:
- Geiner Vargas (Captain)
- Brenda Sánchez
- Steven Taipe
- Jefry Farias
- Leao Coronado
- Johan Farias
- Romina Castillejo
Their performance drew admiration from spectators and fellow athletes, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from Peru.
A Tournament That Changes the Landscape of South American Sport
The Peruvian team expressed deep emotion after earning the silver medal, highlighting that every sprint, fall, and point was fueled by a shared dream—to leave a mark and elevate Kho Kho within the continent.
This inaugural championship represents a turning point for Kho Kho in South America, proving that the sport has the potential to grow rapidly and unite nations in healthy and spirited competition. With Argentina’s victory and Peru’s historic runner-up finish, the continent now looks ahead to a promising future for the sport.