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The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup will be held in New Delhi from January 13th to 19th, 2025, marking a significant moment for the sport on the global stage.
This historic event, backed by the Indian Olympic Association, will witness a thrilling clash of 39 teams – 20 men’s and 19 women’s – vying for the coveted title.
A Dive into the Roots of Kho Kho
Kho Kho, an ancient Indian sport, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the nation’s cultural tapestry. Believed to have originated in the Maharashtra region, the game traces its roots back to a time when it was played on chariots, aptly named “Rathera.”
The game’s evolution saw it transition from muddy terrains to structured mats, thanks to the efforts of Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana in 1914. This pivotal moment witnessed the formulation of the game’s rules and regulations, solidifying its foundation.
A Journey Through Kho Kho’s Global Recognition
Kho Kho has gained significant international recognition over the years. It made its debut on the international stage as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, showcasing the sport’s unique blend of agility, strategy, and teamwork to the world.
The 1982 Delhi Asian Games further amplified its visibility, providing another platform to showcase this indigenous Indian sport. The first-ever Kho Kho Asian Championship, held in Kolkata in 1996, marked a significant milestone in its international journey.
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: A Grand Stage for Global Competition
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup promises to be a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship. The tournament will kick off with the Indian men’s team facing Nepal on January 13th, while the women’s team will commence their campaign against South Korea on January 14th.
Key Highlights:
- Venue: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
- Format: Round-robin group stage followed by knockouts
- Teams: 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams
- Key Dates:
- January 13th: Men’s tournament begins
- January 14th: Women’s tournament begins
- January 19th: Finals for both men’s and women’s divisions
Understanding the Game of Kho Kho
Kho Kho is a dynamic team sport involving two teams of 12 players, with 9 players actively participating on the field at a time. The game unfolds on a rectangular court divided by a central lane adorned with eight wooden poles.
The core objective of the game revolves around the “chasers,” who aim to tag the players from the opposing “defending” team within a stipulated timeframe. The chasers strategically sit along the central lane, alternating directions, while one active chaser pursues the defenders.
The defenders, in turn, employ a combination of speed, agility, and strategic maneuvers to evade the chasers. They navigate between designated “free zones” at either end of the field, utilizing their quick reflexes to avoid being tagged.
The game unfolds in two innings, with each team assuming the roles of chaser and defender for seven minutes. Points are awarded to the chasing team for each successful tag, and the team accumulating the highest score at the end of the game emerges victorious.
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Team Divisions
Men’s Division:
- Group D: England, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya
- Group C: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, USA, Poland
- Group B: South Africa, Ghana, Argentina, Netherlands, Iran
- Group A: India, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, Bhutan
Women’s Division:
- Group D: South Africa, Poland, Peru, Indonesia, New Zealand
- Group C: Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Bangladesh
- Group B: England, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Netherlands
- Group A: India, South Korea, Iran, Malaysia
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Match Schedule
Men’s Division:
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- January 13th: India vs Nepal
- January 14th: South Africa vs Ghana, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, England vs Germany, Ghana vs Netherlands, Peru vs Bhutan, Argentina vs Iran, South Korea vs Poland, Malaysia vs Kenya, South Africa vs Netherlands, Bangladesh vs USA, England vs Australia, Nepal vs Peru, Ghana vs Argentina, India vs Brazil
- January 15th: Sri Lanka vs USA, Australia vs Kenya, Ghana vs Netherlands, England vs Malaysia, India vs Peru, Nepal vs Brazil, Germany vs Australia, Bangladesh vs South Korea, South Africa vs Argentina, Brazil vs Bhutan, Netherlands vs Iran, Sri Lanka vs South Korea
- January 16th: Nepal vs Bhutan, Germany vs Kenya, South Korea vs USA, Bangladesh vs Poland, India vs Bhutan, Ghana vs Iran, Peru vs Brazil, Sri Lanka vs Poland, Malaysia vs Australia
- January 17th: Quarter-finals
- January 18th: Semi-finals
- January 19th: Final
Women’s Division:
Matches Scheduled for January 14th:
- England vs. Australia
- Nepal vs. Bhutan
- South Africa vs. New Zealand
- Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh
- Kenya vs. Netherlands
- England vs. Uganda
- India vs. South Korea
- South Africa vs. Peru
- Nepal vs. Germany
- Iran vs. Malaysia
January 15th:
Australia vs Uganda, England vs Kenya, Uganda vs Netherlands, Nepal vs Sri Lanka, Germany vs Bangladesh, Peru vs Indonesia, Malaysia vs South Korea, Uganda vs Netherlands, Bhutan vs Germany, New Zealand vs Peru, South Africa vs Poland, India vs Iran
January 16th:
Bhutan vs Bangladesh, Kenya vs Uganda, New Zealand vs Indonesia, Nepal vs Bangladesh, Sri Lanka vs Germany, India vs Malaysia, South Africa vs Indonesia, Bhutan vs Sri Lanka, Iran vs South Korea, Poland vs Peru, Australia vs Netherlands, England vs Netherlands, Australia vs Kenya, New Zealand vs Poland
January 17th: Quarter-finals
January 18th: Semi-finals
January 19th: Final
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Watch Live
Broadcast Options:
- Television: Star Sports Network and DD Sports
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar app and website
The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 promises to be a thrilling showcase of this ancient Indian sport, captivating audiences worldwide and inspiring future generations of athletes
Current Affairs Nightmare? Slay It with Our Exam-Crushing FAQs!
- What is the name of the recently discovered ‘mini-moon’ that will orbit Earth for nearly two months?
- Answer: 2024 PT5
- Who is the current Chief Justice of India?
- Answer: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
- Which country recently launched its first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3?
- Answer: India
- What is the name of the initiative launched by NITI Aayog to empower women entrepreneurs?
- Answer: EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan
- Which Indian state recently launched the “Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi” scheme?
- Answer: (This will depend on recent state-level announcements – please check for the most up-to-date information)
- Which Indian city recently hosted the G20 Summit?
- Answer: New Delhi
- Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023?
- Answer: Olga Tokarczuk (Polish novelist)
- What is the significance of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” package?
- Answer: It aims to make India self-reliant through economic reforms, boosting MSMEs, infrastructure development, and enhancing competitiveness.
- What is the objective of the “Gaganyaan Mission”?
- Answer: To send humans to space, showcasing India’s advancements in space research and technology.
- Which international organization recently released a report on the global economic outlook?
- Answer: International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank (check for the most recent report)
Disclaimer:
- This list provides a general overview of potential current affairs questions.
- Current affairs are constantly evolving. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest news and events for the most accurate and relevant information.
I recommend checking reputable news sources, government websites, and educational platforms for the most up-to-date information on current affairs.
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