A historic moment was marked today at The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, as the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) unveiled the official trophies and mascots for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will be held from January 13-19, featuring 21 men’s and 20 women’s teams from 24 countries across six continents, at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The event is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Iconic Trophies Reflecting the Spirit of Kho Kho
The prestigious Kho Kho World Cup will feature two outstanding trophies. The blue trophy, representing the men’s championship, embodies trust, resilience, and widespread appeal, while the green trophy for the women’s competition symbolises growth, vitality, and the pursuit of excellence. Both trophies feature sleek, modern designs with flowing curves and golden accents, symbolising the dynamic nature of the sport. Intricate crystal detailing adds a touch of precision, honouring the competitive spirit of the tournament.
Tejas and Tara: The Symbolic Mascots of the Tournament
As part of the tournament’s festivities, the KKFI introduced ‘Tejas’ and ‘Tara,’ the official mascots of the Kho Kho World Cup. Representing the values of speed, agility, and teamwork, the mascots embody the core principles of the sport. Tejas, representing brilliance and energy, and Tara, symbolising guidance and inspiration, are dressed in striking blue and orange attire, adorned with traditional Indian motifs. Their dynamic appearance highlights both the rich heritage and modern appeal of Kho Kho.
Leading Partners Supporting the Event
To ensure the success of this groundbreaking tournament, the KKFI has collaborated with top-tier partners from diverse sectors. EaseMyTrip will manage the travel logistics for all participants. The broadcast will be accessible through Star Sports Network and Doordarshan, with Disney+ Hotstar providing the OTT platform for worldwide viewers. GMR Sports will serve as the Silver Sponsor, and District by Zomato will handle ticketing through their digital platform.
Shiv Naresh has been appointed as the official kitting partner for the athletes, while Blackberry and Tata Taneira will provide the ceremonial attire for the prestigious event. The Nayan Naveli Gallery will serve as the contemporary art partner, adding a cultural dimension to the tournament. Grant Thornton has joined as the strategic sports development partner, while Deloitte will act as the knowledge partner, bringing in their expertise for operational efficiency.
The Global Reach and Olympic Aspirations of Kho Kho
“We are truly grateful to our dedicated partners for their support in making the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup a reality,” said Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India. “This World Cup will be streamed live for free on Disney+ Hotstar and broadcast on DD Sports, giving this incredible sport a platform like never before. Our goal is to take Kho Kho to the Olympic Games, and this World Cup is just the beginning. With our esteemed partners, we are determined to showcase Kho Kho to a global audience.”
Shri MS Tyagi, General Secretary of the KKFI, emphasised, “The Kho Kho World Cup marks a significant milestone in the globalisation of this unique Indian sport. The enthusiasm from 24 countries underscores Kho Kho’s universal appeal. With world-class infrastructure and exceptional support from our partners, we are excited to deliver a tournament that will elevate the sport on the international stage.”
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 promises to be a transformative event, showcasing India’s sporting heritage while uniting global talent in an unprecedented celebration of this dynamic sport.
