Tue Jan 14 03:18:01 UTC 2025: ## Kho Kho World Cup Kicks Off with 39 Teams Vying for Glory
**Mumbai, India –** The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is set to begin on January 13th, featuring a record-breaking 39 teams – 20 men’s and 19 women’s – competing for the coveted title. Backed by the Indian Olympic Association, the week-long tournament will see teams battling it out in a round-robin format, with the top two from each of the four groups advancing to the quarterfinals (January 17-19). The final match is scheduled for 7 PM IST on January 19th.
India, the host nation, opens the tournament against Nepal and is grouped with Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan. The Indian men’s team will face one opponent per day. Other notable groups include South Africa, Ghana, Argentina, and the Netherlands, showcasing the international appeal of this indigenous Indian sport.
Kho Kho, believed to have originated in Maharashtra, India, has a rich history. Initially played on chariots and known as “Rathera,” the game evolved, with formalized rules established in 1914 by Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana and the first rulebook authored by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The sport has seen significant growth, from its humble beginnings on muddy surfaces to its current form played on mats, and has been featured in various international sporting events, including the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the 2016 South Asian Games.
The fast-paced game involves two teams of nine players (with 12 in the match squad), alternating between chasing and defending. The chasing team aims to tag defenders, earning points for each successful tag. Strategic play, including the ability to “Kho” (tag a teammate to continue the chase), and the use of yellow and red cards for fouls, adds to the excitement.
This inaugural World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the dynamism and skill of this ancient yet evolving sport and highlighting its growing global recognition.
First Piper 