India’s dominant victory over Nepal in the opening match of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 not only set the tone for the tournament but also showcased the team’s exceptional skills and readiness to compete for the prestigious title. The match, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, was a thrilling spectacle from start to finish, filled with moments of brilliance that had the packed crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Indian team, led by the charismatic captain Pratik Waikar, displayed their superior tactical knowledge and physicality right from the first whistle. The team’s aggressive strategy paid immediate dividends, as they managed to take down Nepal's first three defenders within the first 60 seconds of Turn 1. Waikar’s leadership and the energy of players like Ramji Kashyap were key in building an early advantage for India. With their swift movements, they had Nepal on the back foot, racing to an impressive 14-point lead with three minutes left in the first turn.
A pivotal moment came when Sachin Bhargo, who had replaced Waikar as the ‘Wazir’, executed one of the most memorable moves of the match. Bhargo’s perfectly timed skydive stunned the crowd, not only extending India’s lead but also showcasing the team’s agility and skill under pressure. This daring move helped India finish the first half with a commanding 24 touch points, preventing Nepal from reaching the coveted Dream Run. The Dream Run, a vital feat that rewards defenders who can remain untouched for three minutes, was a major milestone that Nepal was unable to capitalize on, as India’s defense remained resolute.
In the second turn, Nepal showed their determination to fight back. After taking nearly two minutes to get their first points, the Nepalese side managed to steady their nerves and mount a formidable comeback. With the help of key players like Jogendra Rana, who was instrumental in securing four points for his team—including two successful dives—Nepal managed to score 20 points during their turn, putting the pressure back on India. However, despite the intense battle, India’s defenders managed to hold their ground and prevent Nepal from gaining too much momentum.
The match reached a new level of intensity as Nepal achieved the first Dream Run of the World Cup. Bharat Saru, a standout defender for Nepal, made an impressive run, helping his team gain a crucial point every 30 seconds after surviving the three-minute mark. This incredible feat briefly raised hopes for Nepal, but India responded with more firepower, extending their lead further to 42 points by the end of Turn 3.
As the final turn unfolded, Nepal fought valiantly to close the gap. Jhalak BK emerged as the hero for Nepal in Turn 4, helping his team claw back into the match and reduce the deficit to just five points. However, it was clear that the damage had already been done in the earlier stages of the game. India’s well-coordinated team play and clinical finishing in the earlier turns had put them in a commanding position, and despite Nepal’s spirited fightback, they were unable to overcome the host team’s solid performance.
The final whistle blew, and India stood victorious with a 42-37 win, a testament to their skill, discipline, and preparation. The victory marked a perfect start to their campaign, setting them up for the rest of the tournament. The win was not only significant for the points but also as a morale booster, reinforcing India’s status as one of the top teams in the world. The performance demonstrated the growth of Kho Kho in the country, with the team clearly showcasing their dedication and expertise in the sport.
The win against Nepal provided India with the confidence they needed to face other formidable opponents in the tournament. With the next few matches lined up, the team was already strategizing for tougher contests ahead. However, the focus remained on the broader goal—securing the World Cup trophy, which would cement India’s dominance in the world of Kho Kho.
For Nepal, despite the loss, the match served as an invaluable learning experience. Their ability to bounce back after a tough start, achieve the first Dream Run of the tournament, and reduce the deficit in the final turn demonstrated resilience and determination. With future matches ahead, Nepal would undoubtedly look to build on their strengths and work on their weaknesses, hoping to secure better results in the competition.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on India, the host nation, who have firmly announced their intent to challenge for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. Fans across the world are eagerly awaiting the next chapters of this thrilling competition, with India’s opening win serving as a glimpse into the exciting action that lies ahead.
