India’s proud moment arrived on January 13, 2025 with the opening ceremony of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, hosted for the first time in the country. The event held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, marked a significant milestone in the history of indigenous sport of Kho Kho, a traditional game originating in India, bringing together 23 top teams from around the world. Our PE teacher represnted The Indian School-Second Shift at this grand opening ceremony.
Arrival of Teams:
The ceremony began with the arrival of 23 participating teams from six continents, featuring 20 men's and 19 women's teams. It will be played under the seven-a-side fast format, which is used for Ultimate Kho Kho. Each team was proudly wearing its national attire and held aloft their flags. The athletes walked into the stadium with a sense of pride, showcasing the unique cultures and traditions of their countries.
Cultural Performances:
The opening ceremony was a colourful celebration of Indian culture with traditional dances from various regions of the country. The lively folk performances energised the crowd and set the spirit of the tournament. One of the highlights was a captivating performance depicting the journey of Kho Kho from a traditional Indian sport to a global competition, emphasising teamwork and sportsmanship.
Inaugural Speeches:
The ceremony featured several inspiring speeches. Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a motivating address, encouraging the athletes and emphasising the importance of sports in building unity. Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho World Cup, expressed his gratitude to the host nation and participating teams, stressing the growing international reach of the sport. Legendary athlete Ms PT Usha also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the values of discipline, perseverance and national pride.
Brand Ambassadors:
Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff have been named brand ambassadors for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. Their involvement in promoting the tournament has added excitement and anticipation, as they continue to inspire athletes and fans alike with their passion for fitness and sport.
Trophy Reveal:
A major highlight of the ceremony was the display of the Kho Kho World Cup trophies. The World Cup will feature two magnificent trophies — a blue trophy for the men’s championship and a green trophy for the women’s event. The trophy was presented alongside the tournament mascots. The Federation also introduced 'Tejas' and 'Tara', a dynamic duo of gazelles serving as the official mascots for the tournament, designed to represent the spirit of the game. The crowd cheered as the trophy was unveiled, symbolising the startof the competition.
Special Guests and Dignitaries:
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including sports ministers, government officials, and sports icons who paid tribute to the spirit of Kho Kho and its historical significance.
Parade of Nations:
The Parade of Nations followed, where each team walked around the field to the tunes of their national anthems, proudly representing their countries. The athletes were cheered by the crowd, fostering a sense of international camaraderie and unity.
The Grand Finale:
The opening ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks' display, lighting up the night sky. The pyrotechnics, synchronised with music, added an emotional and thrilling touch to the event, leaving the crowd in awe.
With the official start of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, the stage was set for an exciting tournament. The opening ceremony successfully captured the spirit of the game, uniting athletes and spectators from around the world in celebration of sport. The Indian men’s team defeated Nepal 42-37 in the opening match of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup.
The tournament promises to be a landmark event in the history of this indigenous sport, bringing together global talent and showcasing India’s sporting heritage on the world stage.
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