New Delhi, January 7, 2025: The world is set to witness the historic 1st Kho Kho World Cup as the inaugural edition is officially scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, from January 13 to 19, 2025.
With 39 teams from across the globe competing for glory, this event marks a major milestone in promoting Kho Kho as an internationally recognised sport. The tournament will feature exciting matches in both Men’s and Women’s categories, ensuring action-packed days for all fans.
The Opening Ceremony of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will take place on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, followed by the opening match between India and Nepal. Star Sports will broadcast the matches on Star Sports 1 HD and Star Sports First, while Doordarshan will ensure nationwide regional coverage. Disney+ Hotstar joins as the OTT broadcast partner, enabling digital streaming access.
Men’s Category: Group Breakdown and Key Matches
The Men’s competition features 20 teams divided into four groups:
- Group A: India, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, Bhutan
- Group B: South Africa, Ghana, Argentina, Netherlands, Iran
- Group C: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, USA, Poland
- Group D: England, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya
The Men’s matches kick off with India facing Nepal in the mega tournament opener at 8:30 pm IST. The league stage will culminate on January 16, followed by the playoffs beginning on January 17. The Men’s final will take place on January 19 at 8:15 pm IST, promising a thrilling conclusion to the championship.
Women’s Category: Group Breakdown and Key Matches
The Women’s competition mirrors the Men’s format, with 19 teams divided into four groups:
- Group A: India, Iran, Malaysia, South Korea
- Group B: England, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Netherlands
- Group C: Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Bangladesh
- Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Poland, Peru, Indonesia
The Women’s opening match sees England taking on Australia on January 14 at 11:45 am IST. For the Indian team, their first match of the tournament is against South Korea on January 14 at 7:00 pm IST. The group stage concludes on January 16, paving the way for the playoffs on January 17. The Women’s final match is scheduled for January 19 at 7:00 pm IST, setting the stage for a spectacular finish to the week-long extravaganza.
Playoff Details and Format
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals. From there, the tournament progresses to the semifinals and finals, ensuring high-stakes competition. Fans can expect nail-biting encounters as teams battle it out for the coveted title.
This landmark event not only highlights the international appeal of Kho Kho but also celebrates the cultural heritage and athleticism that the sport embodies. With Indira Gandhi Stadium as the venue, spectators can look forward to a thrilling atmosphere of camaraderie and competition.