Kho Kho: Pratik Waikar, Priyanka Ingle to lead Indian teams at inaugural World Cup

"Having played Kho Kho for a very long time, I was just excited, waiting to hear my name being announced as part of the Indian team as captain. This is a huge achievement for me because leading our country at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup on home soil is the biggest achievement of my career,” he added.

Meanwhile, coach Ashwani Kumar Sharma brings a wealth of experience to the men's team, having dedicated over five decades to the sport. His impressive track record includes leading the men's team to Gold at the 2019 South Asian Games and securing victory with the Odisha Juggernauts in season 1 of Ultimate Kho Kho.

Recognition for his coaching prowess came earlier when he was named Delhi's best coach in 2014. His extensive background and proven success make him an invaluable asset as the team pursues their championship ambitions.

Priyanka to lead women's team

For the women’s team, Priyanka Ingle has been selected as the captain. She has been a mainstay in the squad, having competed in 23 Nationals over 15 years.

Her achievements include the Ila Award (best sub-junior player), Rani Laxmi Bai Award (2022 Senior Nationals), and gold at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship 2022-23. An all-rounder with an M. Com degree, she now works at the Income Tax Department in Mumbai while maintaining rigorous training routines.

"As this is the first World Cup and I have been selected as the captain of the Indian women's team, I am feeling very good," said Ingle. "Everyone has shown such great faith in me by trusting me with this responsibility. I will fulfill their trust to the best of my abilities and bring home the gold medal for India."

The team will be coached by Sumit Bhatia, who is an accomplished Kho Kho coach, with national achievements including multiple medals in the Senior National Championships.

As chief coach of the women's Team at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship 2023, he has secured international victories including gold medals at the 3rd Asian Championship and 12th South Asian Games, while also serving as an International Referee at global events.

The Indian teams were selected after an intensive training camp held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi from December 10, 2024.

The KKFI Selection Committee, led by President Sudhanshu Mittal and General Secretary MS Tyagi, selected the final 15 for both the men's and women's team.

The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will see participation from 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams, with 23 countries making their way to the national capital.

Men's team: Pratik Waikar (Captain), Prabani Sabar, Mehul, Sachin Bhargo, Suyash Gargate, Ramji Kashyap, Siva Pothir Reddy, Aditya Ganpule, Gowtham M.K., Nikhil B, Akash Kumar, Subramani V., Suman Barman, Aniket Pote, S. Rokeson Singh

Standby: Akshay Bangare, Rajvardhan Shankar Patil, Vishwanath Janakiram.

Women's team: Priyanka Ingle (Captain), Ashwini Shinde, Reshma Rathore, Bhilar Devjibhai, Nirmala Bhati, Neeta Devi, Chaithra R., Subhashree Sing, Magai Majhi, Anshu Kumari, Vaishnavi Bajrang, Nasreen Shaikh, Meenu, Monika, Nazia Bibi

Standby: Sampada More, Ritika Siloriya, Priyanka Bhopi.