NEW DELHI, Jan 13: The inaugural edition of Kho Kho World Cup opened here on Monday with a spectacular ceremony with the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lighting the torch to officially signal the start of the showpiece.
Thousands of fans packed the Indira Gandhi Stadium with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
A colourful cultural performance preceded the official opening of the tournament.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Rajya Sabha Member Rajeev Shukla and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) and Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) President Sudhanshu Mittal were the other dignitaries present.
Meanwhile, India began its Kho Kho World Cup 2025 campaign with a win, beating Nepal 42-37 in their Group A encounter.
India got off to a great start in the match, but Nepal slowly crawled back into the contest and gave the hosts a tough time in the mat.
Heading into the final part of the match, India went in with a slender lead, which Nepal consistently challenged, making the opening game an instant classic.
Pratik Waikar and co however managed to hold on to the points therby earning the hosts their first win. (Agencies)
