The 2025 Kho-Kho World Cup is set to begin on January 13, with the final match scheduled for January 19. Ahead of the tournament, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams have been announced by the Indian Kho-Kho Federation (KKFI) and the International Kho-Kho Federation (IKKF). Pratik Vikar will captain the men’s team, while Priyanka Ingle will lead the women’s team.
Kho-Kho World Cup 2025 to Be Held in Delhi
The Kho-Kho World Cup 2025 will take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi from January 13 to January 19. This edition will feature 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams, with a total of 39 teams from 23 countries set to compete in this prestigious tournament.
MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev Inspire Pratik Vikar and Priyanka Ingle
Pratik Vikar and Priyanka Ingle, captains of the Indian men’s and women’s teams for the Kho-Kho World Cup 2025, look up to legendary Indian cricketers MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev as their role models. In an interview with NDTV, Pratik shared, “I believe in learning from everyone. Kapil Dev taught us how to fight in 1983, especially when West Indies were dominating. He completely dominated them. After him, I followed Sourav Ganguly, who led India to the 2003 finals. He built his team and backed the players. Currently, Dhoni is an inspiration; he brought new ideas to the team.”
Women’s captain Priyanka Ingle echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I follow MS Dhoni. I’ve seen how he motivates his players, and I will do the same with my team as the captain.”
🚨 Groups for Kho Kho World Cup 2025
Men’s Group – 20 Teams
Women’s Group – 19 TeamsA True World Cup 🏆🙌 pic.twitter.com/MFR8proxMu
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) January 8, 2025
Team India for Kho-Kho World Cup 2025
Men’s Team: Pratik Waikar (captain), Prabani Sabar, Mehul, Sachin Bhargo, Suyash Gargte, Ramji Kashyap, Shiva Pothir Reddy, Aditya Ganpule, Gautam M.K., Nikhil B, Akash Kumar, Subramani V., Suman Burman, Aniket Pote and S. Rokesan Singh.
Standby: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil and Vishwanath Janakiram.
Women’s Team: Priyanka Ingle (captain), Ashwini Shinde, Reshma Rathore, Bhillar Devjibhai, Nirmala Bhati, Nita Devi, Chaithra R., Subhashree Singh, Magai Majhi, Anshu Kumari, Vaishnavi Bajrang, Nasreen Sheikh, Meenu, Monika and Nazia Bibi.
Standby: Sampada More, Ritika Siloria and Priyanka Bhopi.