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India showcased its dominance in the 2025 Kho Kho World Cup, clinching championships in both men`s and women`s divisions. The finals took place on January 19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, where the Indian women`s team triumphed over Nepal with a commanding score of 78-40. India set the pace early, leading 34-0 after Turn 1. Despite Nepal`s efforts to close the gap, they ended the match trailing significantly. Priyanka Hanumant Ingle, the captain of the Indian women`s team, expressed immense pride in their victory and gratitude towards the coaches and fans for their unwavering support.

In the men`s final, India continued its winning streak by defeating Nepal 54-36. The Indian team established a strong lead of 26-0 after the first turn and maintained their advantage throughout the match. Although Nepal managed to narrow the gap during their attack in Turn 2, they could not sustain the momentum. India’s defense proved crucial in the final minutes, allowing only 18 points from Nepal and securing an 18-point victory. Pratik Kiran Waikar, the lead chaser for India, emphasized the importance of their defensive strategy and the collective effort of the players and coaching staff.

Both Indian teams remained undefeated throughout the tournament, with the men`s team facing Nepal in both their opening and final matches. The tournament featured participation from 20 men`s and 19 women`s national teams, highlighting the growing popularity of Kho Kho. The event was well-attended, with live coverage available on Star Sports Network and DD Sports, as well as streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar in India. Indian authorities are now advocating for Kho Kho`s inclusion in the 2032 Olympics, which could present future opportunities for Nepal if they invest further in the sport. Despite their losses, the Nepali teams were commended for their performance, finishing as the second-best teams in the world in both categories.

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