History was scripted on Sunday (Jan 19) as India's men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup beating Nepal in the final in both categories. The win is a welcome addition to the Indian sports legacy, as Kho Kho becomes the first sport to produce world champions from the nation in both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s categories. After the match, Indian team captains Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle spoke to WION, reflecting on the historic achievement.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Pratik, Priyanka speak to WION<o:p></o:p></h2>
India entered the women&rsquo;s final as clear favourites, having had a dream run so far in the Kho Kho World Cup. Priyanka led from the front as India won 78-40 in the women&rsquo;s category, while Pratik&rsquo;s side won 54-36 to complete a double swoop.&nbsp;
&ldquo;it was a dream come true for me having worked so hard in the last few years. Lifting the World Cup trophy was the proudest moment of life,&rdquo; Pratik said in the exclusive chat with WION&rsquo;s Aditya Pimpale.<o:p></o:p>
Speaking on an elite list of captains to win the World Cup, Pratik said: &ldquo;To be in the league of players like Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lift a World Cup trophy makes me feel special. My hard work has paid dividends and it is something I am proud of.&rdquo;<o:p></o:p>
Priyanka was equally enjoying her moment with the team, helping India win the inaugural edition.
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&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t define my happiness as I became the first female captain of the Indian Kho Kho side to win the World Cup. There was hard work, persistence and more than anything the determination to bring the trophy home. My journey as a young girl from Pune to a World Cup-winning captain has seen lots of ups and downs, but I think the sky is the limit for us now,&rdquo; she told WION.<o:p></o:p>
The Indian team was guided by coach Ashwini Sharma who reflected on the historic run in the inaugural edition. Sharma praised the authorities and the player&rsquo;s determination to bring the World Cup home.

Sports: History was scripted on Sunday (Jan 19) as India's men’s and women’s teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup beating Nepal in the final in both categories.

History was scripted on Sunday (Jan 19) as India's men’s and women’s teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup beating Nepal in the final in both categories. The win is a welcome addition to the Indian sports legacy, as Kho Kho becomes the first sport to produce world champions from the nation in both men’s and women’s categories. After the match, Indian team captains Pratik Waikar and Priyanka Ingle spoke to WION, reflecting on the historic achievement. Pratik, Priyanka speak to WION India entered the women’s final as clear favourites, having had a dream run so far in the Kho Kho World Cup. Priyanka led from the front as India won 78-40 in the women’s category, while Pratik’s side won 54-36 to complete a double swoop. “it was a dream come true for me having worked so hard in the last few years. Lifting the World Cup trophy was the proudest moment of life,” Pratik said in the exclusive chat with WION’s Aditya Pimpale. Speaking on an elite list of captains to win the World Cup, Pratik said: “To be in the league of players like Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lift a World Cup trophy makes me feel special. My hard work has paid dividends and it is something I am proud of.” Priyanka was equally enjoying her moment with the team, helping India win the inaugural edition. ALSO READ | India Open 2025: I am far from my best, says two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen “I can’t define my happiness as I became the first female captain of the Indian Kho Kho side to win the World Cup. There was hard work, persistence and more than anything the determination to bring the trophy home. My journey as a young girl from Pune to a World Cup-winning captain has seen lots of ups and downs, but I think the sky is the limit for us now,” she told WION. The Indian team was guided by coach Ashwini Sharma who reflected on the historic run in the inaugural edition. Sharma praised the authorities and the player’s determination to bring the World Cup home.

Exclusive: Kho Kho World Cup winning captains Priyanka Ingle, Pratik Waikar reflect on historic triumph

As the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 takes centre stage in India&rsquo;s Indira Gandhi Stadium, the buzz has grown to the next level with stars from national and international levels making a name for themselves. One name that has echoed behind the curtains is former India captain Anand Pokarde. As India dominates the early legs of the ongoing Kho Kho World Cup, Pokarde played a key role as a member of the selection committee. Pokarde spoke exclusively to WION&rsquo;s Aditya Pimpale as he reflected on his journey and the tough selection process. <o:p></o:p>
Under his careful selection process, India has picked the gems of Kho Kho players who excel globally. Born and raised in the suburban region of Ichalkaranji in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, Pokarde is considered a legend in Indian Kho Kho. <o:p></o:p>
At the time of writing, the Indian women&rsquo;s team had beaten their opponents, South Korea and Iran, by more than 100 points, while the men&rsquo;s team also excelled with dominant scores.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Question: Where did your journey with the Indian Kho Kho team begin?<o:p></o:p></h2>
My relationship with Kho Kho began way back in my school days and that is where things started for me. Interestingly, I represented my school team, district team and state during my college days. However, it was not until 2016 that I made my debut for India in the South Asian Games. I was 23 at that time and became one of the youngest members of the side to win the gold medal.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Question: You were the youngest captain of the Indian side, how was the feeling?<o:p></o:p></h2>
I remember when I was 25 in 2018, I was handed the Indian captaincy on our tour to England. I was the champion player of my side and was termed the &lsquo;flying machine&rsquo; for the skydives I used to perform during the tournament. The feeling overall was a proud moment for me and my family as it gave me a different recognition, especially to my mother who supported me in every walk of my career and was also a national player in Kho Kho.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-india-squad-announcement-jasprit-bumrah-injury-news-pacer-advised-bed-rest-8625081" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy: Setback for India as pacer Jasprit Bumrah advised 'bed rest'</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Question: How was the selection process for both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s sides while you prepared for the inaugural edition of the World Cup?<o:p></o:p></h2>
I would say when you have competition for places, it becomes tough for everyone to find the right balance. The entire selection process was purely based on different aspects, like strength, ability, skills and several other factors. The experience of players also played a key role in them getting selected for the tournament. Priyanka Ingle and Prarik Waikar I think remain the best selections for me considering they have all the tools in their arsenal. <o:p></o:p>
Pokarde&rsquo;s notable achievements include winning the 2019 South Asian Games gold medal where he was the captain of the Indian side. He has won medals at the Senior National Championship and National Games (2015 gold). He has also completed a diploma in sports coaching, making him one of the most qualified coaches in the world of Kho Kho.<o:p></o:p>

Sports:  As India dominates the early legs of the ongoing Kho Kho World Cup, Anand Pokarde played a key role as a member of the selection committee. 

As the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 takes centre stage in India’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, the buzz has grown to the next level with stars from national and international levels making a name for themselves. One name that has echoed behind the curtains is former India captain Anand Pokarde. As India dominates the early legs of the ongoing Kho Kho World Cup, Pokarde played a key role as a member of the selection committee. Pokarde spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale as he reflected on his journey and the tough selection process. Under his careful selection process, India has picked the gems of Kho Kho players who excel globally. Born and raised in the suburban region of Ichalkaranji in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, Pokarde is considered a legend in Indian Kho Kho. At the time of writing, the Indian women’s team had beaten their opponents, South Korea and Iran, by more than 100 points, while the men’s team also excelled with dominant scores. Question: Where did your journey with the Indian Kho Kho team begin? My relationship with Kho Kho began way back in my school days and that is where things started for me. Interestingly, I represented my school team, district team and state during my college days. However, it was not until 2016 that I made my debut for India in the South Asian Games. I was 23 at that time and became one of the youngest members of the side to win the gold medal. Question: You were the youngest captain of the Indian side, how was the feeling? I remember when I was 25 in 2018, I was handed the Indian captaincy on our tour to England. I was the champion player of my side and was termed the ‘flying machine’ for the skydives I used to perform during the tournament. The feeling overall was a proud moment for me and my family as it gave me a different recognition, especially to my mother who supported me in every walk of my career and was also a national player in Kho Kho. ALSO READ | 2025 Champions Trophy: Setback for India as pacer Jasprit Bumrah advised 'bed rest' Question: How was the selection process for both men’s and women’s sides while you prepared for the inaugural edition of the World Cup? I would say when you have competition for places, it becomes tough for everyone to find the right balance. The entire selection process was purely based on different aspects, like strength, ability, skills and several other factors. The experience of players also played a key role in them getting selected for the tournament. Priyanka Ingle and Prarik Waikar I think remain the best selections for me considering they have all the tools in their arsenal. Pokarde’s notable achievements include winning the 2019 South Asian Games gold medal where he was the captain of the Indian side. He has won medals at the Senior National Championship and National Games (2015 gold). He has also completed a diploma in sports coaching, making him one of the most qualified coaches in the world of Kho Kho.

Exclusive: Former India Kho Kho team captain Anand Pokarde reflects on epic journey

India kickstarted their Kho Kho World Cup 2025 campaign in style as the hosts beat Nepal 42-37 on Monday (Jan 13) at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi. A match that scripted history on multiple fronts saw Pratik Kiran Waikar become the first Indian player to lead a men&rsquo;s Kho Kho side in a World Cup match. A dedicated player known for his versatile skills, Pratik spoke exclusively to WION&rsquo;s Aditya Pimpale as he opened up on his journey to leading the Indian side.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Pratik speaks to WION</h2>
A dedicated player hailing from the Pune district of Maharashtra, Pratik has already carved a reputation as one of the best Indian Kho Kho players. His accolade could be highlighted by the fact that he led Maharashtra at several levels before rising to prominence. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards from the Maharashtra government, including the Eklavya Award, Shivchhatrapti Sports Award, and the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Award.<o:p></o:p>
Question: What was it like when you were announced as the captain of the Indian Kho Kho side ahead of the World Cup?<o:p></o:p>
I can&rsquo;t describe it in words as I have been working hard for the last 24 years. It is a proud moment for me and my family as my hard work has paid off. I had goosebumps when I was announced as the captain of the side and I now look forward to leading from the front and setting an example. <o:p></o:p>
Question: India has won very few World Cups in any sports, notably led by the likes of Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Pratik Waikar could soon be the name on the list as well, are you prepared for it?<o:p></o:p>
To be honest, I am focusing on only one match at a time so winning the World Cup is a long-term target.&nbsp; Currently, my short-term target is to take one match at a time. Speaking of the cricket legends, I don&rsquo;t compare myself with anyone, but lifting the World Cup as a captain is everyone&rsquo;s dream and I want to complete that as soon as possible.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bbl-scores-sydney-thunder-perth-scorchers-match-result-david-warner-catch-video-thunder-beat-scorchers-8619176" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BBL, Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers: WATCH | David Warner takes STUNNING catch</a>
Speaking of Rohit, he also comes from Maharashtra, so it will be an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the state if India wins the World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
How do you think India can tackle different oppositions and are the favourites to win the Kho Kho World Cup?<o:p></o:p>
Yes, we do have plans and we&rsquo;d like to execute them perfectly during the Kho Kho World Cup. Coach Ashwini Sharma has a key role to play in the entire process which will be helpful for India. Different oppositions bring different challenges and I hope we are up to it in the upcoming matches of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.<o:p></o:p>

Sports: A dedicated player known for his versatile skills, Pratik spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale as he opened up on his journey to leading the Indian side.

India kickstarted their Kho Kho World Cup 2025 campaign in style as the hosts beat Nepal 42-37 on Monday (Jan 13) at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi. A match that scripted history on multiple fronts saw Pratik Kiran Waikar become the first Indian player to lead a men’s Kho Kho side in a World Cup match. A dedicated player known for his versatile skills, Pratik spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale as he opened up on his journey to leading the Indian side. Pratik speaks to WION A dedicated player hailing from the Pune district of Maharashtra, Pratik has already carved a reputation as one of the best Indian Kho Kho players. His accolade could be highlighted by the fact that he led Maharashtra at several levels before rising to prominence. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards from the Maharashtra government, including the Eklavya Award, Shivchhatrapti Sports Award, and the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Award. Question: What was it like when you were announced as the captain of the Indian Kho Kho side ahead of the World Cup? I can’t describe it in words as I have been working hard for the last 24 years. It is a proud moment for me and my family as my hard work has paid off. I had goosebumps when I was announced as the captain of the side and I now look forward to leading from the front and setting an example. Question: India has won very few World Cups in any sports, notably led by the likes of Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Pratik Waikar could soon be the name on the list as well, are you prepared for it? To be honest, I am focusing on only one match at a time so winning the World Cup is a long-term target. Currently, my short-term target is to take one match at a time. Speaking of the cricket legends, I don’t compare myself with anyone, but lifting the World Cup as a captain is everyone’s dream and I want to complete that as soon as possible. ALSO READ | BBL, Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers: WATCH | David Warner takes STUNNING catch Speaking of Rohit, he also comes from Maharashtra, so it will be an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the state if India wins the World Cup. How do you think India can tackle different oppositions and are the favourites to win the Kho Kho World Cup? Yes, we do have plans and we’d like to execute them perfectly during the Kho Kho World Cup. Coach Ashwini Sharma has a key role to play in the entire process which will be helpful for India. Different oppositions bring different challenges and I hope we are up to it in the upcoming matches of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

Exclusive: India men's Kho Kho team captain Pratik Waikar ready to script history

India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful.

The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) presented its detailed report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday.

"We met the new Sports Minister yesterday and handed him the report. The minister said he would need a few days to go through it. But he asked us to prepare another report on how sports can be a career option in the country, how to build interest among youth, how to bring private players into sports," a senior member of the MOC told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"We are way ahead in preparing for the Olympic bid which will take place after Paris. But we will have to do a lot of lobbying with IOC during the Paris Games and we are completely prepared," the member added.

The inclusion of host country preferences will be a discussion for much later as the hosting rights of the Games have not been finalised. The decision is likely only after the International Olympic Committee has a new President after elections next year.

If India's bid succeeds at all, the proposed events will first have to be introduced as demonstration events in the 2032 Brisbane Games before getting a final go-ahead.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-semis-spot-on-the-line-as-england-south-africa-battle-in-clash-of-heavyweights-733867">T20 World Cup: Semis spot on the line as England-South Africa battle in clash of heavyweights</a>

During the International Olympic Committee (IOC's) Congress in Mumbai last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed India's ambition to host the Games in 2036, stating that the administration would "leave no stone unturned" in bringing the showpiece to the country for the first time.

The MOC member said that while the inclusion of these sports would help in enhancing India's medals tally in the 2036 Olympics, but the road ahead is not easy as the country will have to extend all possible support in building the base for these disciplines to a minimum number of participating nations.

"The sports ministry asked the MOC to prepare a detailed report about our readiness for 2036 Olympics, including identifying new sporting disciplines which a host nation can pitch for, how to control doping menace, bringing more accountability in the working of the national federations and identifying private entities who are interested in investing in sports," the member told PTI.

India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful.

India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful. The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) presented its detailed report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday. "We met the new Sports Minister yesterday and handed him the report. The minister said he would need a few days to go through it. But he asked us to prepare another report on how sports can be a career option in the country, how to build interest among youth, how to bring private players into sports," a senior member of the MOC told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "We are way ahead in preparing for the Olympic bid which will take place after Paris. But we will have to do a lot of lobbying with IOC during the Paris Games and we are completely prepared," the member added. The inclusion of host country preferences will be a discussion for much later as the hosting rights of the Games have not been finalised. The decision is likely only after the International Olympic Committee has a new President after elections next year. If India's bid succeeds at all, the proposed events will first have to be introduced as demonstration events in the 2032 Brisbane Games before getting a final go-ahead. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Semis spot on the line as England-South Africa battle in clash of heavyweights During the International Olympic Committee (IOC's) Congress in Mumbai last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed India's ambition to host the Games in 2036, stating that the administration would "leave no stone unturned" in bringing the showpiece to the country for the first time. The MOC member said that while the inclusion of these sports would help in enhancing India's medals tally in the 2036 Olympics, but the road ahead is not easy as the country will have to extend all possible support in building the base for these disciplines to a minimum number of participating nations. "The sports ministry asked the MOC to prepare a detailed report about our readiness for 2036 Olympics, including identifying new sporting disciplines which a host nation can pitch for, how to control doping menace, bringing more accountability in the working of the national federations and identifying private entities who are interested in investing in sports," the member told PTI.

India push for yoga, kabaddi, kho-kho to be included in 2036 Olympics

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