New Delhi, 10th April 2025: In a historic milestone for Nepali sports, the Nepal Kho Kho Association has successfully conducted the country’s first-ever national-level Kho Kho league, titled Dream Kho Kho 2025. Held from April 5 to April 10 in the scenic district of Bardiya, Lumbini Province, the event marked a significant leap forward for the sport’s development in Nepal.
The Dream Kho Kho League brought together 5 competitive teams, featuring around 60 players and 20 match officials, including two referees from India, reflecting the event’s international flavor. Over the span of six days, the league witnessed 14 thrilling matches, captivating local audiences and Kho Kho enthusiasts.
Final Standings and Individual Awards:
- 🏆 Champion: Natures Nest Tigers
💰 Prize: NPR 2,50,000 + Hand-crafted Dream Kho Kho Trophy - 🥈 Runner-Up: Bikash Premi Black Buck
💰 Prize: NPR 1,50,000 - 🥉 Third Place: Kanchan Gaidahawa Royals
💰 Prize: NPR 1,00,000
Individual Honours (All from Natures Nest Tigers):
- 🛡️ Best Defender: Samir Chand
- ⚡ Best Wazir: Suraj Pujara
- 🔄 Best All-Rounder: Bikral Singh Ratgaiya
The event’s success reflects the growing popularity of Kho Kho across all seven provinces of Nepal. While school-level engagement is currently concentrated in 2–3 districts, district-level competitions are active, and opportunities are expanding. Notably, international-level Kho Kho players are now being recruited into the Nepal Army, signaling the sport’s rising recognition.
Bardiya, one of only two districts in Nepal equipped with mat facilities (the other being Kathmandu), was selected as the venue following the successful hosting of the U-21 National Kho Kho Championships in March 2024.
Voices of Support:
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the International Kho Kho Federation, praised the initiative:
“The Dream Kho Kho League is a remarkable achievement for Nepal and a proud moment for the entire Kho Kho community. This league not only showcases the talent and passion for the sport in Nepal but also strengthens the foundation for Kho Kho’s global expansion. I congratulate all the players, organizers, and supporters who made this dream a reality.”
Kshatra Bahadur Shahi, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Kho Kho Association, stated:
“Kho Kho is gaining popularity in Nepal, and youth are inclined towards it and look at it with hope. The Dream Kho Kho will prove to be an important landmark in Nepal’s Kho Kho journey.”
He also noted that the aggregate financial outlay of the league was approximately NPR 50 Lakhs, a strong indicator of the growing investment and belief in the sport.
With the successful launch of Dream Kho Kho 2025, Nepal has taken a significant step in mainstreaming Kho Kho, setting the stage for future editions that aim to further expand the sport’s reach, both within Nepal and on the global stage.