Kathmandu, January 13
The Kho Kho World Cup is set to begin today in India, marking the first-ever World Cup in the sport’s history. Both men’s and women’s tournaments will be held simultaneously, with a total of 23 countries participating.
The event, popular in South Asia, will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams. The opening match in the men’s category will see host nation India taking on Nepal. The game is scheduled for 8:45 pm Nepali time at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Only the opening match will be played on the first day.
Nepal is grouped in Pool A alongside India, Bhutan, Brazil, and Peru. Pool B includes Iran, the Netherlands, Argentina, Ghana, and South Africa. Pool C features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, the USA, and Poland, while Pool D comprises England, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, and Kenya.
In the women’s category, Pool A consists of India, Iran, South Korea, and Malaysia. Pool B includes England, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Netherlands. Pool C features South Asian countries Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, along with Germany. Pool D comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Poland, Peru, and Indonesia.
Sixteen nations are competing in both categories, while Brazil, Argentina, Ghana, and the USA will only participate in the men’s tournament. Uganda, New Zealand, and Indonesia will compete exclusively in the women’s category.
Both men’s and women’s teams are divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The finals for both categories will take place on January 19.
Nepal, participating in both the men’s and women’s categories, aims to secure a medal in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup. The country has previously won medals at the Asian Kho Kho Championship.
Hemraj Paneru will captain the men’s team, while Saraswati Kathayat will lead the women’s team.
