- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: In an inaugural season of Kho-Kho world cups the Indian teams of both men and women have clinched the world cups on Sunday evening and etched their name in sporting history.
The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a commanding 54-36 victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They joined the women’s team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40.
Attacking first, an exceptional skydive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes. Skydives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favor of the Indians — a perfect start for the side.
In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match Team India’s levels but did prevent the side from going on a single Dream Run. Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the side carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.
India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple skydives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament. Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match — and the tournament.
Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against Team India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and this time Sachin Bhargo — fondly known as Chingari — proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive, and this sealed a much-deserved trophy for Team India as the score read 54-36 at the end of the final.
Earlier in the evening the Indian women’s Kho-Kho team clinched a 2025 Kho-Kho world cup by defeating Nepal in a spectacular final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40 on Sunday.
A brisk start epitomised Turn 1 as the Indian attackers took charge of proceedings. Three batches in, the Nepal women were out by simple touches on 7 occasions, with 14 points to India’s name. Skipper Priyanka Ingle was in the best of form for her team with multiple touch points to her name, as the Indians started off in an exceptional manner. This was enough to take the Women in Blue to 34 points and prevent a single Dream Run for the Nepal team.
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