On Wednesday, both the Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the Kho Kho World Cup taking place in New Delhi. The men’s team secured a strong victory over Peru with a score of 70-38, while the women’s team dominated Iran, winning with an impressive 100-16 margin.
The men’s team showcased their skills and teamwork in a thrilling match, starting strong and setting the pace right from the beginning. They excelled in the early rounds, although Peru managed to put up some resistance in the second. Led by captain Wazir Pratik Waikar, the Indian players took back control and finished the first half with a commanding 36-point lead. The success continued into the second half, with standout performances from players like Aditya Pote, Siva Reddy, and Sachin Bhargo. By the end of the match, India had racked up an impressive 70 points, solidifying their position at the top of their group at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
In the women’s competition, India kicked off with a fierce strategy, taking out Iran’s first player in just 33 seconds. Ashwini led the offensive, while Meenu shone with numerous ‘touch points,’ enabling the team to score 50 points in the first round. The Indian team maintained their aggressive play throughout all four rounds, featuring an extraordinary ‘Dream Run’ that lasted 6 minutes and 8 seconds in the third round, which effectively sealed their victory. Wazir Nirmala’s smart tactics, along with strong contributions from captain Priyanka Ingle, Nirmala Bhati, and Nasreen, positioned India as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Both teams now look forward to their next challenge in the knockout rounds, eager to continue their winning streak.
