NEW DELHI: The first-ever edition of the Kho Kho World Cup concluded in New Delhi with both the Indian Men’s and Women’s teams emerging victorious as champions. This remarkable tournament not only enchanted the country but also captivated audiences worldwide, leaving behind a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. The competition commenced with an exuberant cultural festival that warmly welcomed 23 participating nations from six continents.
The extraordinary Opening Ceremony showcased the richness of Indian hospitality, featuring vibrant musical and dance performances, which set the tone for an exciting competition that kept audiences entirely engrossed. Commenting on his experience in India, Iran’s Amir Ghiasi reflected, “It was our first time in India, and we had a wonderful experience. The hospitality was exceptional. From the moment we arrived, everything was taken care of for us. The hotel accommodations and the food were tailored to our tastes, so there were no issues. It was also our first opportunity to experience Indian culture, and we truly enjoyed the cultural celebrations. It was remarkable.”
Amanadeep Kaur, a native Indian who played for the New Zealand Women’s team, added, “We had a fantastic time. Honestly, we didn’t expect the competition to be so intense. Now, we’re excited to prepare for the next level.” The tournament organizers, spearheaded by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) President Sudhanshu Mittal, KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi, and IKKF General Secretary Rohit Haldania, took responsibility for ensuring that all necessary amenities were catered to the visiting nations, customized to their specific cultural requirements. This monumental task was executed with great success, as international players praised the facilities provided.
Amandeep further expressed, “Everyone loved the atmosphere here in India, including players from other teams. The hospitality extended by India to the participating nations was absolutely incredible. It’s wonderful to see the entire world coming together. Whenever we faced any challenge, assistance was readily available. We had access to doctors and physiotherapists, and any food or beverages required by players were promptly arranged. India is the best host for this tournament.”
The Kho Kho players from abroad also immersed themselves in the cultural ambiance of India, enjoying visits to the Taj Mahal in Agra and sampling Indian street food. Peru men’s team head coach Silvana Patricia remarked, “Everything, from the hospitality to the food, was wonderful. I especially appreciated the dance performances, traditional attire, and the music. It’s overwhelming in the best way possible; there is so much to see that you really want to experience it all simultaneously. The World Cup experience has been outstanding.”
Brazil men’s team head coach Laura Doering added, “Everything is so different from our culture. I find myself captivated by every single detail in every location. I am incredibly happy and grateful to be here. The people are extraordinarily kind, and the hospitality is unparalleled. I hope to learn some dance moves to take back with me.”
