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At first glance, it&rsquo;s Gabriel Corona's smile that captures your attention&mdash;warm, inviting, and impossible to ignore. His tattoos, which snake down his arms and legs, add an edge to his otherwise approachable vibe. But when he starts talking about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kho-kho">kho kho</a>, his eyes truly light up, revealing a passion that runs deep. It&rsquo;s clear that this isn&rsquo;t just a sport to him; it&rsquo;s a part of who he is.&nbsp;
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In a country where football reigns supreme, Coronas&rsquo; story is nothing short of extraordinary. A Brazilian born and raised in a nation where football and volleyball dominate the sporting landscape, Coronas has gone from a regular guy working in HR in a company to representing Brazil as a captain in the recently-concluded Kho Kho World Cup.&nbsp;
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Speaking to WION&rsquo;s Jatin Verma, the Brazilian shared his sporting journey, his experience at the Kho&nbsp;Kho World Cup and much more.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always been involved in sports, especially futsal, a variant of football,&rdquo; says Coronas. 
&ldquo;But it&rsquo;s only been about four months since I discovered Kho Kho, a new sport in Brazil. Our coach, Laura Doering, introduced us to it, and at first, it was hard for some of us to even grasp what it was. But once we gave it a try, we were hooked.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-10-year-old-atiqa-mir-who-is-set-to-become-the-first-indian-8652149">Meet 10-year-old Atiqa Mir, who is set to become the first Indian...</a> Despite Brazil&rsquo;s deep connection with football, the young team of Kho&nbsp;Kho players are determined to carve out a new identity for Brazil in this fast-paced, exhilarating sport. &ldquo;We want to make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/brazil">Brazil</a> not just a football and volleyball powerhouse, but a force in Kho Kho as well,&rdquo; Coronas says.&nbsp;
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW50378338 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="1432886764" paraeid="{3b28bf58-dc38-4f34-9065-aeef0e574b3e}{98}">How it started</h2>
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His journey into Kho Kho is even more fascinating considering his academic background. A psychology graduate working as an HR professional, Coronas&rsquo; life has drastically changed in the past few months. &ldquo;Just five months ago, I was just a regular guy sitting at my desk, working on a computer. Now, I&rsquo;m leading a team of Kho Kho players as their captain, representing my country. It&rsquo;s been surreal,&rdquo; Coronas shares with a smile.&nbsp;
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But his excitement doesn&rsquo;t stop there. Coronas is eager to inspire the next generation of Brazilian athletes to take up Kho Kho. &ldquo;In Brazil, we&rsquo;re so focused on football and volleyball, but there&rsquo;s a whole world of sports out there. We want to inspire kids in schools to try something new, to play Kho Kho,&rdquo; he says, hinting at plans to spread the sport&rsquo;s popularity back home.&nbsp;
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The journey has been a whirlwind for Coronas and his teammates. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been crazy,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re all juggling our jobs and training for Kho Kho. But the experience has been so fulfilling, especially now as we represent Brazil on the world stage.&rdquo;&nbsp;
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His trip to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india">India</a> for the World Cup has left a lasting impression on him. &ldquo;The people in India are amazing. It&rsquo;s like they have this unspoken bond. You instantly feel at home,&rdquo; Coronas reflects. 
&ldquo;We Brazilians are known for our warmth, and the people here share that same vibe. It was an incredible experience,&rdquo; he signs off.&nbsp;
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As the journey continues, Coronas remains committed to spreading the word about Kho Kho, ensuring that Brazil&rsquo;s sports culture evolves beyond its footballing legacy.
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Sports, Kho Kho: Coronas has gone from a regular guy working in HR in a company to representing Brazil as a captain in the recently-concluded Kho Kho World Cup 2025

At first glance, it’s Gabriel Corona's smile that captures your attention—warm, inviting, and impossible to ignore. His tattoos, which snake down his arms and legs, add an edge to his otherwise approachable vibe. But when he starts talking about kho kho, his eyes truly light up, revealing a passion that runs deep. It’s clear that this isn’t just a sport to him; it’s a part of who he is. In a country where football reigns supreme, Coronas’ story is nothing short of extraordinary. A Brazilian born and raised in a nation where football and volleyball dominate the sporting landscape, Coronas has gone from a regular guy working in HR in a company to representing Brazil as a captain in the recently-concluded Kho Kho World Cup. Speaking to WION’s Jatin Verma, the Brazilian shared his sporting journey, his experience at the Kho Kho World Cup and much more. “I’ve always been involved in sports, especially futsal, a variant of football,” says Coronas. “But it’s only been about four months since I discovered Kho Kho, a new sport in Brazil. Our coach, Laura Doering, introduced us to it, and at first, it was hard for some of us to even grasp what it was. But once we gave it a try, we were hooked.” Also Read: Meet 10-year-old Atiqa Mir, who is set to become the first Indian... Despite Brazil’s deep connection with football, the young team of Kho Kho players are determined to carve out a new identity for Brazil in this fast-paced, exhilarating sport. “We want to make Brazil not just a football and volleyball powerhouse, but a force in Kho Kho as well,” Coronas says. How it started His journey into Kho Kho is even more fascinating considering his academic background. A psychology graduate working as an HR professional, Coronas’ life has drastically changed in the past few months. “Just five months ago, I was just a regular guy sitting at my desk, working on a computer. Now, I’m leading a team of Kho Kho players as their captain, representing my country. It’s been surreal,” Coronas shares with a smile. But his excitement doesn’t stop there. Coronas is eager to inspire the next generation of Brazilian athletes to take up Kho Kho. “In Brazil, we’re so focused on football and volleyball, but there’s a whole world of sports out there. We want to inspire kids in schools to try something new, to play Kho Kho,” he says, hinting at plans to spread the sport’s popularity back home. The journey has been a whirlwind for Coronas and his teammates. “It’s been crazy,” he says. “We’re all juggling our jobs and training for Kho Kho. But the experience has been so fulfilling, especially now as we represent Brazil on the world stage.” His trip to India for the World Cup has left a lasting impression on him. “The people in India are amazing. It’s like they have this unspoken bond. You instantly feel at home,” Coronas reflects. “We Brazilians are known for our warmth, and the people here share that same vibe. It was an incredible experience,” he signs off. As the journey continues, Coronas remains committed to spreading the word about Kho Kho, ensuring that Brazil’s sports culture evolves beyond its footballing legacy.

Exclusive | From futsal to Kho Kho: Gabriel Coronas is redefining Brazil’s sporting landscape

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.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-open-2025-i-am-far-from-my-best-says-two-time-olympic-champion-viktor-axelsen-8635982" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India Open 2025: I am far from my best, says two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen</a>
&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

Kho Kho World Cup 2025 has taken India by storm with men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s teams ready to give their best shot in the inaugural tournament. With expectations comes responsibility and India&rsquo;s women's team captain Priyanka Ingle has not disappointed after taking over the role. Captaining India in the first match of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, Priyanka led from the front as the hosts beat South Korea 175-18. She spoke exclusively to WION&rsquo;s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on her journey.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Priyanka speaks to WION<o:p></o:p></h2>
One of the best Indian Kho Kho women&rsquo;s team players, Priyanka hails from the Pune district of the west Indian state of Maharashtra where she first took Kho Kho lessons. While she represents India in the Kho Kho World Cup, she is also a dedicated employee of the Income Tax Department. After being announced as the captain in the build-up to the World Cup, she was thankful to everyone and determined to give her best.<o:p></o:p>
Question: How do you feel, after being announced as the captain of the Indian women&rsquo;s Kho Kho side for the World Cup?<o:p></o:p>
I can&rsquo;t describe the feeling. I probably could not believe in the first place that I was going to lead the side. I am thankful to everyone who has been associated with me in both good and bad times and helped me lead the Indian side. Things wouldn&rsquo;t have been possible without the support of the federation and all the administrative bodies.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-coach-gautam-gambhir-job-in-danger-champions-trophy-2025-result-to-decide-fate-8622116" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India coach Gautam Gambhir's job in danger? 2025 Champions Trophy result may decide his fate</a>
Question: Kho Kho is a game that originated in Maharashtra, so you have a close connection with the sport, tell us about that.<o:p></o:p>
Yes, Kho Kho is something that I played when I was young and in Maharashtra, you are taught the sport in your younger days. I have been associated with the sport since I was in school. To lead a side in a sport that originated in your state and country makes me feel more proud.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Question: You will be carrying the hopes of 1.5 billion people during the Kho Kho World Cup, do you feel nervous about it?<o:p></o:p>
Playing other tournaments and playing the World Cup is completely different and with multiple cameras around, we do feel nervous. I have won medals at the South Asian Games, but the World Cup with 1.5 billion expectations and then cameras around it does give us some feelings of nervousness. But I am hopeful we&rsquo;ll be up for it. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Priyanka also thanked Munni Joon, the veteran coach of the Indian women&rsquo;s team as she continues to inspire the next generation of Kho Kho athletes. Joon hails from Haryana and has been associated with the Indian side helping them build the side for the ongoing Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi.<o:p></o:p>

Sports: Priyanka Ingle led from the front as the hosts beat South Korea 175-18 in their opening match. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on her journey. 

Kho Kho World Cup 2025 has taken India by storm with men’s and women’s teams ready to give their best shot in the inaugural tournament. With expectations comes responsibility and India’s women's team captain Priyanka Ingle has not disappointed after taking over the role. Captaining India in the first match of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, Priyanka led from the front as the hosts beat South Korea 175-18. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on her journey. Priyanka speaks to WION One of the best Indian Kho Kho women’s team players, Priyanka hails from the Pune district of the west Indian state of Maharashtra where she first took Kho Kho lessons. While she represents India in the Kho Kho World Cup, she is also a dedicated employee of the Income Tax Department. After being announced as the captain in the build-up to the World Cup, she was thankful to everyone and determined to give her best. Question: How do you feel, after being announced as the captain of the Indian women’s Kho Kho side for the World Cup? I can’t describe the feeling. I probably could not believe in the first place that I was going to lead the side. I am thankful to everyone who has been associated with me in both good and bad times and helped me lead the Indian side. Things wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the federation and all the administrative bodies. ALSO READ | India coach Gautam Gambhir's job in danger? 2025 Champions Trophy result may decide his fate Question: Kho Kho is a game that originated in Maharashtra, so you have a close connection with the sport, tell us about that. Yes, Kho Kho is something that I played when I was young and in Maharashtra, you are taught the sport in your younger days. I have been associated with the sport since I was in school. To lead a side in a sport that originated in your state and country makes me feel more proud. Question: You will be carrying the hopes of 1.5 billion people during the Kho Kho World Cup, do you feel nervous about it? Playing other tournaments and playing the World Cup is completely different and with multiple cameras around, we do feel nervous. I have won medals at the South Asian Games, but the World Cup with 1.5 billion expectations and then cameras around it does give us some feelings of nervousness. But I am hopeful we’ll be up for it. Priyanka also thanked Munni Joon, the veteran coach of the Indian women’s team as she continues to inspire the next generation of Kho Kho athletes. Joon hails from Haryana and has been associated with the Indian side helping them build the side for the ongoing Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi.

Exclusive: India women's team captain Priyanka Ingle determined to clinch Kho Kho World Cup