India women win inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 with 78-40 win over Nepal

India's women’s Kho Kho team made history by winning the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 with a commanding 78-40 victory over Nepal in the final at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The match was a clear display of India’s superior skill, speed, and tactical execution, securing them as the first-ever champions of the Kho Kho World Cup.

The match began with a dominant performance by India in Turn 1. Led by skipper Priyanka Ingle, India’s attackers eliminated three batches of Nepal’s defenders on seven occasions, amassing 14 points early on. Ingle played a pivotal role, scoring multiple touch points, while the team’s swift attacks ensured they maintained control. At the end of Turn 1, India had established a solid 34-point lead, leaving Nepal with no opportunity for a Dream Run.

In Turn 2, Nepal mounted a brief challenge. Manmati Dhami and Samjhana B eliminated key players from the Indian team, including Vaishnavi Pawar and Priyanka Ingle. However, India’s Chaithra B led the charge with the team’s first Dream Run of the match, scoring significant points. Despite Dipa BK’s efforts to complete an All-Out for Nepal, India maintained their lead. By halftime, India had 35 points, with Nepal trailing by 11 points at 24.

Turn 3 saw India continue to press their advantage. The Nepal team struggled to find any rhythm as India’s defense thwarted any attempts to recover. Dipa BK, Nepal’s best player, tried to score, but the Indian defense proved too strong, restricting Nepal to minimal points. India’s continued dominance in Turn 3 further solidified their lead, with Nepal unable to narrow the gap.

The decisive moment came in Turn 4, when Chaithra B led India’s final Dream Run, which lasted 5 minutes and 14 seconds. This extended batch propelled India’s score to 78 points, sealing their victory. Despite Nepal’s valiant efforts, including Dipa BK’s continued defense, the gap was too wide to close, and India’s performance in Turn 4 secured them the Kho Kho World Cup title.

India’s journey to the final was marked by dominant performances throughout the tournament. In the group stages, India secured victories over South Korea, IR Iran, and Malaysia. In the knockout stages, they defeated Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semifinals. India’s consistent play and tactical superiority culminated in this historic victory, establishing them as the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup champions.

Match Awards:

• Best Attacker: Anshu Kumari (Team India)
• Best Defender: Manmati Dhami (Team Nepal)
• Best Player: Chaithra B (Team India)