Kho Kho World Cup: Indian men's team crowned champion

The Indian men's platoon settled the initial Kho Kho World Cup 2025 crown by defeating Nepal 54- 36 in the final on Sunday. This palm followed the Indian women's platoon's triumph over Nepal in their separate final.

The final match saw India's commanding performance, with Captain Pratik Waikar and star player Ramji Kashyap showing exceptional leadership.

In the opening attack, Ramji Kashyap executed a brilliant sky dive to capture Nepal's Suraj Pujara. India secured 10 points within four twinkles when Suyash Gargate successfully touched Bharat Sahu.

The Indian platoon's excellent sky divers in Turn 1 redounded in a substantial lead of 26- 0, effectively precluding Nepal from establishing any instigation.

During Turn 2, whilst Nepal bettered their defence and averted India from achieving a Dream Run, they plodded to match India's intensity. Despite harmonious traces from Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the combination of Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar helped India maintain a 26- 18 advantage at halftime.

Turn 3 demonstrated India's superior performance, with captain Pratik Waikar executing multiple successful sky dives, supported by event name Ramji Kashyap.

Aditya Ganpule's outstanding performance, combined with the platoon's coordinated trouble, extended India's lead to 54- 18 before the final turn.

In Turn 4, despite Nepal's determined sweats to carry a comeback, India's defence remained solid under Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo's leadership, with notable benefactions from Mehul and Suman Barman.

India's path to palm included decisive triumphs against Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stages, followed by a fostering performance against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and a palm over South Africa in the semifinals.

India remained unbeaten throughout the kho kho event. After beating the Group A standings with four triumphs, including a narrow 42- 37 palm over Nepal, they beat Sri Lanka in the quarter- tests and South Africa in the semi-finals.

In the women’s final, Nepal won the toss and asked India to attack first. The decision would come back to hang the callers as India picked up quick points to mount early pressure on their opposition.