The ancient Indian tag sport kho kho is making strides toward global recognition, with its first World Cup underway in New Delhi. Played for over 2,000 years in South Asia, the sport’s rules were only formalized in the early 20th century. Once a demonstration event at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, kho kho is now being positioned as a contender for future Olympic inclusion.

The Kho Kho World Cup features 23 nations, including the United States, England, and Australia, with expatriate Indian players helping spread the game internationally. The event began with a vibrant ceremony, signaling ambitions to elevate kho kho’s profile globally.

The sport has evolved significantly since the launch of the Ultimate Kho Kho League in 2022, which introduced indoor mat-based gameplay, drawing televised audiences. It now ranks as the third most-watched non-cricket sport in India, after kabaddi and football.

This transition has expanded kho kho’s reach, with native players in countries like Germany, Brazil, and Kenya embracing the game. Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India, anticipates the sport gaining traction in dozens more countries by year’s end, bolstering its Olympic bid.

While optimism surrounds the sport’s future, Pakistan’s absence from the World Cup highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite this, players and organizers remain hopeful, envisioning kho kho as a prominent global sport within the next decade.