New Delhi, December 18, 2024: The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, set to take place in New Delhi from January 13th to January 19th, 2025. The announcement was made at a special media event held at the National Players Training Camp at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, attended by KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi, and members of the Indian men’s and women’s teams.
Salman Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, reminiscing about his own connection to the sport. “I am proud to be associated with the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025! This is not just a tournament – it’s a tribute to India’s soil, spirit, and strength. All of us, including me, have played Kho Kho at one point in our lives,” he shared.
The actor further highlighted Kho Kho’s dynamic and action-packed nature, saying, “It is a sport with non-stop action and relentless spirit that has already captured global attention. Let’s come together and celebrate the soul of Kho Kho on the global stage.”
A Global Celebration of India’s Sport
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will feature 21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams, representing 24 nations, competing over a week in the Indian capital. During the announcement event, fans were treated to an electrifying demo match featuring star players such as Pratik Waiker, Aditya Ganpule, Ramji Kashyap, Priyanka Ingle, and Reshma Rathore, among others.
The KKFI has made significant strides to ensure gender equality in the sport, setting up a platform that offers equal opportunities to both men and women participants.
Salman Khan’s Impact and KKFI’s Vision
KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal thanked Salman Khan for his support, emphasizing the value of his star power in drawing nationwide attention to Kho Kho. “We express our gratitude to Salman Khan for dedicating his time to our beloved mitti ka khel. His passion for the sport is inspiring, and we are confident that his involvement will spark interest across the nation. The KKFI is working tirelessly to ensure the success of this historic event,” Mittal stated.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has also pledged its full support for the World Cup, further cementing the event’s importance in the global sporting calendar.
About Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI)
The Kho Kho Federation of India is the official governing body for Kho Kho in India. Led by Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, the federation oversees national championships and collaborates on major initiatives like the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) league. KKFI’s dedication to promoting India’s traditional sport is reflected in its efforts to organize the World Cup and provide a global platform for Kho Kho players.
As the countdown begins, excitement builds for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, promising a thrilling spectacle of India’s homegrown sport on an international stage.