The highly anticipated Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The opening match, scheduled for 13th January, will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, marking the beginning of the first-ever international tournament for the traditional Indian sport.
The Kho Kho World Cup will feature 24 participating countries, including both men’s and women’s teams, and will be hosted at two venues: the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi and the Noida Indoor Stadium. The event will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with league matches beginning on 13th January and concluding on 16th January. The knockout phase, starting with the quarter-finals, will run from 17th January, culminating in the grand final on 19th January.
The opening ceremony will take place on the same day as the inaugural match, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. CEO of Kho Kho World Cup, Vikram Dev Dogra, confirmed the schedule during a press conference on Wednesday.
To prepare for the tournament, a national camp comprising 60 male and 60 female athletes is currently underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The final Indian squads for the men’s and women’s teams will be selected from this group. Among the participating nations, Indonesia will only field a women’s team, while other countries will send squads for both categories.
Adding star power to the event, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been announced as the brand ambassador for the tournament. He will promote the sport and raise its profile across India.
With two iconic venues, intense rivalries, and the participation of 24 nations, the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 promises to be a historic event that takes this traditional sport to a global stage.