The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is destined for a blockbuster start as host nation India will face off against arch-rivals Pakistan in the season opener on January 13, 2025. The much-anticipated clash will take place following an extravagant opening ceremony earlier that day.
The Kho Kho World Cup, slated to run from January 13 to 19, will feature 24 countries, with 21 men's teams and 20 women's teams competing in a league-cum-knockout format. Matches will also be hosted at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi and at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
“The league matches will start on January 13. There will be an opening ceremony on that day. After that, the most exciting match of the season, the match between India and Pakistan men’s teams, will be played,” said Vikram Dev Dogra, CEO of the Kho Kho World Cup, during a press conference on Wednesday, December 17 (via Sportstar).
The league matches will take place over four days, from January 13 to 16, with the quarterfinals scheduled for January 17, the semifinals on January 18, and the grand finale on January 19.
“Thereafter, on 14th, 15th and 16th January, the remaining league matches will carry on, following which the quarterfinals will be held on January 17 and semifinals on January 18 and final on January 19,” Dogra added.
Indian team’s preparation and selection for Kho Kho World Cup 2025
In preparation for the tournament, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has already begun its national camp at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where 60 male and 60 female athletes are undergoing training. The final Indian squads will be selected from this pool of players.
KKFI president and tournament organizing committee chairman Sudhanshu Mittal shared details about the scale of the event, revealing that it will involve 615 players and 125 support staff. Each team will consist of 15 players, along with a coach, a manager, and international technical officials.