Nepal finish second losing to India in first Kho Kho World Cup final

Kathmandu, Jan. 20: Nepali women’s and men’s teams finished as the runners-up as they lost to the teams of host India in the final of the Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, India, Sunday night. 

However, despite losing in the finals, Nepali teams were eligible to keep their heads high as they finished as the second-best team of the world in both men’s and women’s categories in the first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup where 20 men and 19 women national teams participated.

Furthermore, the Nepali women’s team lost the first game of the tournament (January 13-19) when the hosts at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium beat them.

It was a great moment for Nepal as the national kho kho teams raised their standards in front of the world. 

Meanwhile, it was the second time that the Indian women’s team defeated Nepal in the final. They had lost to India in the final of the 13th South Asian Games as well. The men’s team had finished third in the 13th edition in 2019.

The Nepali women’s side lost to India by a score of 40-78 in the night's first final. India attacked first and got a good score, 34-0, in Turn 1. However, when Nepal attacked in Turn 2, it took over a minute to get the first touch. 

The first batch was a troublesome one mostly due to Chaithra. Chaithra, from the First Batch, evaded a touch until 3 minutes and 12 seconds. By Turn 2’s end, Nepal trailed by 24-35.

Meanwhile, in Turn 3, India’s turn to attack, India extended the lead to 73-24. With Nepal requiring 49 points from the last turn, Chaithra stalled the momentum for over three minutes again. Nepal could only get eight touches in the final turn and lost the final by 38 points.

“We are happy to win and lift the beautiful trophy. Overall, it was a proud moment for India. I also want to thank the coaches and fans for their support,”  Priyanka Hanumant Ingle, all-rounder and captain of India women’s team.

On the other hand, the men’s team of Nepal lost by a gap of 18 points in the final. Attacking first, India led by a score of 26-0 in Turn 1. In response, Nepal brought the gap down to eight points while attacking in Turn 2.

Yet, a level-up game by India while attacking for the second time in Turn 3 earned them a lead of 36 points as the score stood at 18-54. In the final seven minutes of defence, India allowed only 18 points to Nepal and won the final by a score of 54-36.

“We were focusing on our defence in the final as our attack was going well, and it bore fruit. It is a great win and it feels great to be the world champions. It is a result of hard work from players, coaches, staff and officials for years,” said Pratik Kiran Waikar, India’s lead chaser, in the post-match conference.

Nepal’s men had lost the first game of the tournament against India by five points on January 13; however, the hosts came back stronger in the final while fighting for the trophy and won by a gap of 18 points.

Indian authorities expressed a great desire to have Kho Kho included in the 2032 Olympics. Thus, Nepal has a sport they can aim for a medal in the Olympics; however, Nepal needs to invest more in Kho Kho, a game that has been known to Nepal for many decades. 

Women players of Nepal and India in action during the final of the 1st Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, India, Sunday evening.