Iranian KhoKho Women Coach Samira in Sunday KhoKho Series (World Edition)

               (Iranian Women KhoKho Coach Samira)

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, held from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, India, was a resounding success. Organized by the International Kho Kho Federation and KKFI, the tournament featured 23 countries from six continents, with 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams participating. The matches, played in a fast-paced seven-a-side format similar to Ultimate Kho Kho but with some key modifications to one wazir captivated audiences with their speed and agility.

The Iranian team quickly became a fan favorite, their daring 'scorpion dives' and lightning-fast pole dives often turning the tide of matches. Their agility and strategic play surprised many established Kho Kho nations.

The team's coach, Samira, is a highly respected figure in the sporting world. A former Kabaddi star, she represented Iran at multiple World Cups Championships.  "Kho Kho is a fantastic sport," Samira commented, "and I'm thrilled to be a part of this World Cup. The energy and passion of the players are incredible."  She added, "I appreciate KKFI and IKKF for their efforts to make this World Cup a grand success."

India dominated the tournament, winning both the men's and women's titles. They defeated Nepal Men's Team and Women's Team respectively in the finals. Iran`s impressive performance also earned them plaudits. The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the dynamism and excitement of the sport to a global audience and paving the way for its continued growth.

Q1. How was your experience in Worldcup?

1. "This World Cup was a stepping stone for us.  While we didn't achieve all our goals, it gave us a clear picture of where we stand and what we need to work on.  We're excited to take these lessons back home and use them to prepare for future tournaments.  We're confident that we'll come back stronger."

Q2.How you trained Iran team ? They played unbelievable.

2.Our team consisted mostly of young players, many of whom were competing in their first international tournament.  We focused our training on developing their core Kho Kho skills, including practice on diverse terrains like the coast and grass to enhance their agility and diving techniques.  While we faced strong competition from established Kho Kho nations like India and Nepal, our players gained invaluable experience.  Considering Kho Kho is a relatively new sport in Iran, and given our limited preparation time with two six-day training camps, I'm incredibly proud of their performance.  They showed tremendous potential, and with continued support and training, I'm confident they will achieve even greater success in the future."

Q3.What you gain from Worldcup?

3."The World Cup was a significant milestone for Kho Kho in Iran.  It allowed us to assess our progress on a global stage and identify areas for development.  Beyond the specific learnings on the field, it also provided valuable exposure for our players and helped us understand the global Kho Kho community better.  This experience will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of Kho Kho in Iran, inspiring more young athletes to take up the sport."

Q4.What are your further plans to improve KhoKho in Iran?

4."Our plan to elevate Kho Kho in Iran involves a multi-pronged approach.  First and foremost, we need to invest in coach education.  We aim to organize workshops and training sessions led by experienced Kho Kho experts to enhance their knowledge of modern coaching techniques, sports science, and player development across all age groups.  This will empower them to nurture talent more effectively.  Secondly, we want to expand the reach of Kho Kho by introducing it to schools and communities across the country.  We'll work on developing grassroots programs to encourage young people to take up the sport.  Thirdly, we'll focus on creating a structured competition pathway, from local leagues to national championships, to provide players with consistent opportunities to compete and improve. Finally, we'll explore partnerships with other sporting organizations and seek funding to support our initiatives and provide better resources for our athletes."

Q5.Which is your Favourite KhoKho Team and Why?

5.India is my favorite team. They exhibit all the essential features of a top-notch team, including diverse skills, proper fitness, empathy, patience, motivation, and enthusiasm.

Q6.How are the facilities in 1st ever KhoKho Worldcup?

6.The facilities were exceptional, surpassing the typical expectations for a World Cup event. Much gratitude goes to the World Federation and everyone who worked hard to make these competitions outstanding.

Q7.Any words for Sunday KhoKho Series?

7.The Sunday Kho Kho Series is a brilliant concept.  It's not just about entertainment; it's about education.  By sharing the knowledge and experience of seasoned players and coaches, the series is helping to elevate the overall understanding and skill level within the Kho Kho community.  It's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the sport."

Coordinated and Directed By:

Voice of International Player

Pankaj Malhotra

(International Kho-Kho Player, Technical Expert at UKKL,WC

Jammu Kashmir,India)

Assisted & Guided By:

M.S Tyagi (Gen.Sec KKFI)

S.B.S Tirthi (Former Treasurer KKFI,India)

Supported by:

Anuj Khajuria (Software Engineer, U.S.A)

Jitendra Tyagi (Treasurer KKAD)

Columnist

Ms.Rameet Kour (Featured Columnist & Language Expert, Chicago, U.S.A)

Special Assistance

Harneet Kaur (Melbourne, Australia)