Nepal’s remarkable journey in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 culminated in both the men’s and women’s teams securing silver medals, marking a historic achievement for the nation on the global stage.
Men’s Team Performance:
The Nepali men’s team, under the leadership of captain Hemraj Paneru, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. In the group stages, they secured significant victories against Peru (80-34), Brazil (134-8), and Bhutan (98-8), with their only group stage loss being a narrow 42-37 defeat to India.
Advancing to the knockout stages, Nepal dominated Bangladesh in the quarter-finals with a 67-18 win and continued their impressive form by defeating Iran 72-20 in the semi-finals.
In the final against India, despite a valiant effort, the team concluded the match with a 54-36 scoreline, earning a commendable second place in the tournament.
Women’s Team Performance:
The Nepali women’s team, captained by Saraswati Kadayat, also delivered outstanding performances. In the group stages, they secured victories against Brazil and Bhutan, propelling them into the knockout rounds. In the semi-finals, Nepal faced Iran and secured a decisive 72-20 victory, earning their spot in the final.
Facing a formidable Indian team in the final, the Nepali women exhibited resilience and skill, ultimately finishing the match with a 78-40 scoreline, and proudly securing the silver medal.
Significance for Nepal:
These achievements mark a significant milestone in Nepal’s sporting history, as both teams secured the country’s first World Cup silver medals.
The exceptional performances of the Nepali teams have not only elevated the nation’s status in the international kho kho community but also inspired future generations of athletes. The dedication and hard work of the players, coaches, and support staff have laid a strong foundation for the growth and development of kho kho in Nepal.
Looking Ahead:
Building on this success, the Nepal Kho Kho Association aims to further develop the sport at the grassroots level, providing more opportunities for young talent to emerge. The experience gained from competing at the highest level will be invaluable as Nepal prepares for future international tournaments, with the aspiration of clinching the gold in the coming years.
The nation stands proud of its kho kho teams, whose achievements have brought honor and recognition to Nepal on the world stage.