 "Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Indian men defeat Brazil to inch closer to knockouts; women thrash South Korea by 157 points")
India continued to dominate at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi on Tuesday with the men’s team inching closer to the knockouts with a solid victory over Brazil and the women’s team beginning their campaign with an incredible performance, thrashing South Korea by 157 points.
While the Indian men’s team followed up on their 42-37 victory over neighbours Nepal in the tournament opener on Monday with a 64-34 win against Brazil, the South Korean women were hardly a match for the hosts, who emerged victors with a 175-18 scoreline.
The men’s game match, which kept the spectators on the edge of their seats at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, saw India proving their mettle.
Brazil started well in their attack, getting 16 points to their name, but India came back strong. India earned two points during a ‘Dream Run’ that kept the Brazilians on their toes.
Turn 2 was very impressive for the ‘Men in Blue’, as they upped the ante while attacking the Brazilians.
Rokeson Singh, Pabani Sabar and Aditya Ganpule were the main aggressors for India, as they led the team to an impressive 36 points at the end of Turn 2. But just when it looked like they were running away with the same, Brazil fought back in Turn 3.
Brazil piled the pressure on India in Turn 3, led by the likes of Mauro Pinto, Joel Rodrigues and especially Matheus Costa, who scored six touch-points.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThey fought their way back, scoring an impressive 34 points in reply to India’s 38, setting up an exciting final seven minutes of the match.
As expected, India bounced back in Turn 4, with Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar leading from the front.
Rokeson Singh also scored four points via ‘Sky Dives’ and Mehul got two touch-points, as the home team went on to secure an impressive 30-point win to close out day 2 of the Kho Kho World Cup.
Indian women begin campaign by demolishing South Korea
The Indian women’s team produced an incredible performance against South Korea, securing a commanding 175-18 victory in their opening match of the Kho Kho World Cup on Tuesday.
In a show of sheer dominance, the home team showcased their prowess with impressive ‘Dream Runs’ and defensive strategies that left their opponents stunned at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Chaithra B, Meeru and skipper Priyanka Ingle set the tone for India with consecutive ‘Dream Runs’, with the first two batches each earning a point.
This strategic opening helped neutralise the 10 touch-points that South Korea managed to secure at the end of the first Turn.
With the momentum in their favour, the Indians launched a full-scale attack with the dynamic trio of Nasreen Shaikh, Priyanka and Reshma Rathod at the forefront.
In just 90 seconds, India secured three ‘ALL OUT’ victories against the defenders, pushing the score to 24.
#TeamIndia’s men and women are unstoppable — ruling the mat like true Sultans! 🇮🇳🔥
— Kho Kho India (@India_KhoKho) January 14, 2025
Stay updated on #KKWC2025 through our website 🔗 https://t.co/fKFdZBc2Hy or download the app 👉 https://t.co/tn6b1dS5fQ 📲 iOS 👉 https://t.co/FCMbw9OUHX#TheWorldGoesKho #Khommunity #KhoKho… pic.twitter.com/PwIiLuOSf7
Merely 18 seconds later, the ‘Women in Blue’ inflicted a fourth ‘ALL OUT’ on South Korea, extending their lead to 22 points.
Reshma stood out with an impressive six touch-points, while Meenu delivered an outstanding performance with 12 points through ‘Other Dives’, significantly bolstering the team’s score.
By Turn 2, India had eliminated a staggering 16 batches, taking the score to 94-10.
India maintained the same intensity in Turn 3 also, as they added three points via the ‘Dream Run’.
South Korea managed only eight points in the second innings of Turn 3, as India’s dominance continued unabated.
The final Turn showcased India’s unrelenting control over the match, never allowing their opponents to establish any rhythm.
With PTI inputs
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