New Delhi: The Indian men’s team defeated South Africa by 60-42 to book their spot in the final of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 on Saturday, January 18. The Pratik Waikar-lead team had a brilliant campaign in the tournament and dominated the opponents with ease.
But the South African team gave them a tough time in the final after their female counterparts failed to qualify. Team India was sent out to defend first and South Africans came out all guns blazing. They troubled the Indian defenders in Turn 1 with great performance, suffocating the hosts to succumb to a 0-20 deficit.
Team India made a brilliant comeback as they threw themselves at the visitors in every possible way and ended the deficit within five minutes to regain a lead of 28-20 at the end of Turn 2. With just an eight-point lead, Turn 3 was crucial for both teams. South Africa’s Khozi delivered a great performance and ensured that the Men in Blue were All Out within just two minutes. South Africans increased their lead to 38 points in the last few minutes of Turn 3 and went into the final Turn with a score of 28-42.
Akash Kumar got in-form Khoza at the start to give India a crucial start. With just 5 minutes and 10 seconds left, the Men in Blue reduced the deficit to 4 points. The Indian captain got Khoza with a stunning sky dive. Mehul and Aniket also played well as India managed to take the lead in the semifinal and sealed an emphatic victory with a score of 60-42 at the final whistle.
India women qualify for final
The Women in Blue also qualified for the final of the Kho Kho World Cup after defeating South Africa by 66-16 on Saturday. They dominated the match in both attack and defence, setting up an exciting final against Nepal. The hosts got off to a stunning start as Chaithra B single-handedly scored five points before South Africa’s Sinethemba Mosia eliminated her.
Reshma gave India a great start in Turn 2 as the Indian women got the South African players in multiple batches. The Women in Blue ended the Turn 2 with a score of 33-10. They dominated the Turn 3 and 4 to qualify for the final. Nepal Women also qualified for the final by defeating Uganda 89-18 in their semifinal clash.
The Indian men’s and women’s qualified for the finals of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup on Saturday, January 18. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
