Earlier this year, both Indian teams made history by clinching the men\u2019s and women\u2019s titles at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from January 13 to 19, 2025. The tournament saw participation from 39 teams (20 men\u2019s and 19 women\u2019s) representing 23 countries across six continents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in the Independence Day address from the iconic Red Fort on August 15. This year\u2019s celebration will host around 5,000 special guests from diverse fields, including sportspersons, innovators, and community leaders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is a great promotion for the indigenous sport of Kho Kho. I have only seen Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations on television, and this is the first time I will attend them with my teammates. It\u2019s a great feeling,\u201d said Nirmala Bhati, a member of the World Cup-winning women\u2019s team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe all feel elated that Kho Kho players have been invited for the first time. It\u2019s a moment of pride for all of us, and we sincerely thank KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal and M.S. Tyagi for their unwavering support,\u201d said Pratik Waikar, captain of the victorious men\u2019s team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a privilege and honour for the sport of Kho Kho. The journey of these players is one of dedication, perseverance, and passion. They have fought odds to carve their destinies, and this invitation is a true tribute to the sport\u2019s growing stature,\u201d said KKFI chief.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe all feel elated that Kho Kho players have been invited for the first time. It\u2019s a moment of pride for all of us, and we sincerely thank KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal and M.S. Tyagi for their unwavering support,\u201d said Pratik Waikar, captain of the victorious men\u2019s team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This milestone invitation stands as a symbolic recognition of Kho Kho\u2019s growing stature in the country\u2019s sporting landscape, reinforcing the government\u2019s commitment to promoting India\u2019s indigenous sports on national and global platforms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n