New Delhi. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) have officially announced the final squads for Team India’s men’s and women’s teams ahead of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The tournament, set to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams, with 23 countries competing in this groundbreaking event.
The men’s team will be captained by Pratik Waikar, an Eklavya Award winner who debuted for India in 2016. Waikar, who has been playing Kho Kho since the age of eight, has had a distinguished career, securing gold at the 56th Senior National Championship and leading Telugu Yoddhas to the runner-up spot in the Ultimate Kho Kho League. Despite holding degrees in Computer Science and Finance, Waikar pursued Kho Kho professionally and continues to inspire with his leadership.
“I felt overwhelmed with emotion when I heard my name announced as the captain. Leading India in the first-ever World Cup on our home soil is a dream come true,” said Waikar following the announcement.
Ashwani Kumar Sharma, a seasoned coach with over 50 years of experience, will support the men’s team. Sharma has led the national team to gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and coached the Odisha Juggernauts to victory in UKK season 1. He was named Delhi’s best coach in 2014 and continues to be a key figure in the development of Kho Kho.
For the women’s team, Priyanka Ingle will serve as captain. A stalwart in the sport, Ingle has competed in 23 National Championships over 15 years. Her accolades include the Ila Award for best sub-junior player, the Rani Laxmi Bai Award, and a gold medal at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship in 2022-23. Ingle also balances her career in the Income Tax Department with her passion for Kho Kho.
“I am honored to lead the women’s team in the first World Cup. I will do my best to fulfill the trust placed in me and bring home the gold,” said Ingle.
Sumit Bhatia, an experienced Kho Kho coach, will guide the women’s team. Bhatia has an impressive record, with multiple medals in the Senior National Championships and golds at the 3rd Asian Championship and the 12th South Asian Games.
Speaking at the press conference, KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal remarked, “This is a historic moment for Kho Kho as we prepare to host the first-ever World Cup. The teams represent the best talent from across India, selected through a rigorous process. With Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle leading the charge, we are confident of outstanding performances. This World Cup will showcase Kho Kho’s evolution from a traditional Indian sport to an international event with Olympic potential.”
Shri MS Tyagi, General Secretary of KKFI, added, “The response from 23 countries reflects the growing global appeal of Kho Kho. With world-class facilities at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, we are set to host a landmark tournament. This World Cup will not only highlight India’s organizational strengths but will also pave the way for Kho Kho to establish itself as a major international sport.”
The final squads were selected after an intensive training camp at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi in December 2024. The KKFI Selection Committee, guided by President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal and General Secretary Shri MS Tyagi, played a crucial role in finalizing the teams, with input from the coaching staff. The 60 male and 60 female players who participated in the camp were carefully assessed to select the final 15 players for both teams.
TEAM INDIA MEN’S SQUAD
Pratik Waikar (Captain), Prabani Sabar, Mehul, Sachin Bhargo, Suyash Gargate, Ramji Kashyap, Siva Pothir Reddy, Aditya Ganpule, Gowtham M.K., Nikhil B, Akash Kumar, Subramani V., Suman Barman, Aniket Pote, S. Rokeson Singh
Standby: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil, Vishwanath Janakiram.
TEAM INDIA WOMEN’S SQUAD
Priyanka Ingle (Captain), Ashwini Shinde, Reshma Rathore, Bhilar Devjibhai, Nirmala Bhati, Neeta Devi, Chaithra R., Subhashree Sing, Magai Majhi, Anshu Kumari, Vaishnavi Bajrang, Nasreen Shaikh, Meenu, Monika, Nazia Bibi
Standby: Sampada More, Ritika Siloriya, Priyanka Bhopi
You may also like
-
एनडीएमसी अध्यक्ष ने 9वीं से 12वीं कक्षा के छात्रों के लिए कैरियर मार्गदर्शन कार्यक्रम का सुभारंभ किया।
-
Yo Yo Honey Singh Reveals How Sonu Sood Predicted His Bollywood Break 16 Years Ago
-
TATA WPL 2025: Player Retention List Announced, Key Stars Set to Lead the Season
-
India-Australia Partnership Seminar Held In Delhi
-
Jashn-e-Rekhta 2024 Returns with Bigger Venue and Newer Shades of Urdu
-
UP Government’s New Mandate Sparks Concern Among Buyers and Developers
Comments
0 comment