Kenya Women Team Captain Okumu Agneta in Sunday KhoKho Series World Edition

As Kenya was a Semifinalist team in 1st KhoKho WorldCup 2025 held at New Delhi ,India  organised by KKFI and IKKF.This team showed a  good example of team spirit,action,dives,stamina,strategy that attracts the audience from all over the world.Today in Sunday KhoKho Series we are Introducing Okumu the Captain of Kenya Women Team.She is a good allrounder that impressed all with her pole dives and good running skills.                     Okumu Agneta(Kenya Captain)

1.How was your experience in KhoKho WorldCup in India 2025?

Ans.It was absolutely incredible! Being part of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup was a dream come true. The energy was electric, and playing against teams from all over the world was an amazing experience. I learned so much, not just about Kho Kho, but also about different cultures and playing styles. It was a truly unforgettable tournament.

The World Cup was a huge learning experience for me. It was my first time playing at that level of competition, and it was eye-opening to see the skill and strategy of the other teams. I was able to identify areas where I can improve my own game, and I'm really motivated to train harder and come back stronger next time. It was an honor to represent my country and be a part of this historic event.

Q2. Describe yourself.

Ans. I'm a passionate Kho Kho player and the captain of the Kenyan Ladies team. I believe in leading by example and fostering a strong team spirit. I'm dedicated to the sport and always strive to improve. It was a huge honor to receive the Best Player award in our opening match against the Netherlands. It was a team effort, though, and I'm incredibly proud of how we played together. I'm excited to see what we can accomplish in the next tournament.

I see myself as a team player first and foremost. As captain, my priority is to support my teammates and create an environment where everyone can thrive. I try to be a positive influence and encourage open communication.  

I'm energetic and enthusiastic about Kho Kho! I love the fast-paced nature of the game and the strategic thinking it requires. I'm also very competitive, but I believe in fair play and sportsmanship. Being named Best Player in our first match was a fantastic feeling, and it motivates me even more to push myself & my team.

Q3. How kenya Team practice before the worldcup.

Ans.As captain of the Kenyan Kho Kho ladies team, I'm incredibly proud of our pre-World Cup preparations. Despite significant resource limitations, including a lack of proper mats, a standard field, and poles, we maximized every opportunity. We pushed ourselves to utilize what little we had, overcoming numerous challenges with sheer determination and a strong team spirit. We focused on honing our skills and strategies, making the most of our limited resources.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Kho Kho President Asan Kantilal for his unwavering support throughout our training and during the Kho Kho World Cup. His dedication and commitment were instrumental in our journey, and we deeply appreciate his role.

Q4.What you learn from WorldCup and What are your plans?

Ans. What I learnt from the WORLDCUP 

Skill Development: I learned so much about the technical aspects of Kho Kho. Playing against teams with different styles exposed areas where we can improve our footwork, coordination, and strategy. 

Mental Game: The World Cup was a high-pressure environment, and I learned how to manage my emotions and stay focused. As captain, I also learned how to help my teammates stay positive and motivated, even after tough matches like South Africa.

Teamwork and Communication: Competing at this level highlighted the importance of clear communication and trust within the team. We learned how to anticipate each other's moves, support each other, and celebrate our successes together.

Cultural Exchange: "Meeting players from all over the world was an amazing experience. We learned about different cultures and Kho Kho traditions, which broadened our understanding of the sport and its global reach.

My plans

Sharing Knowledge: My first priority is to share everything I learned with my teammates and the wider Kho Kho community in Kenya. We'll organize workshops and training sessions to improve the overall level of play in our country.

Building on Momentum: "The World Cup has generated a lot of excitement for Kho Kho in Kenya. We need to capitalize on this momentum by increasing awareness of the sport and attracting more players, especially young girls.

Long-Term Goals: "We have our sights set on the next World Cup and other international competitions. We'll work hard to improve our skills, develop a strong team, and represent Kenya with pride on the global stage.

Personal Growth: "On a personal level, I want to continue growing as a player and a leader. I'll focus on improving my own game, supporting my teammates, and inspiring the next generation of Kho Kho players in Kenya.

Q5. Which is your Favourite team and Why?

 Ans. India Women's Team.

While I'm incredibly proud to lead the Kenyan team, I have a lot of admiration for the Indian women's Kho Kho team. They've achieved so much and are a true inspiration. Their skill, strategy, and teamwork are exceptional, and they've set a high standard for the sport globally. I learn a lot from watching them play, and they motivate me to push myself and my team to be better.

Their agility, speed, and coordination are incredible. They play with such precision and power, and their strategic thinking is always on point. I try to incorporate elements of their playing style into my own game and share those insights with my team.

"The Indian women's team is definitely a powerhouse in Kho Kho, and they've achieved remarkable success. However, my absolute favorite team is the Kenyan Ladies Kho Kho team. I'm incredibly proud to be their captain, and I'm constantly inspired by their dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. We're working hard to develop our skill.

Q6. What you expected before Worldcup and What You actually felt?

Ans.Going into the World Cup, we had a mix of excitement and nerves. We knew we were facing some incredibly strong and experienced teams, some of whom had been playing Khokho at a high level for many years. Our primary expectation was to represent Kenya with pride and passion, and to showcase the talent and dedication of our team. We wanted to learn as much as possible from the other teams, improve our skills, and gain valuable international experience. We also hoped to surprise a few opponents and prove that Kenyan Khokho is a force to be reckoned with. While we dreamt of winning, our realistic goal was to compete fiercely in every match and leave a positive impression.

The reality of the World Cup was even more intense than we anticipated! The atmosphere was electric, and the level of competition was incredibly high. We faced some tough challenges, and every match pushed us to our limits. While we faced some setbacks, we also had some incredible moments of triumph and demonstrated the resilience and spirit of Kenyan Khokho. I was immensely proud of how my team performed. We stuck together, supported each other, and never gave up, even when things got difficult. The experience was a rollercoaster of emotions – from the disappointment of close losses to the exhilaration of hard-fought victories. But most importantly, the World Cup showed us where we stand on the global stage and highlighted areas where we can improve. It fueled our determination to train harder, refine our strategies, and come back stronger next time. It was an honour to represent Kenya, and this experience has only made us more passionate about growing Khokho in our country.

Q7.What are your plans for Next WorldCup that is announced recently in England?

Ans. Our experience at the recent World Cup in India was invaluable. We reached the Semi-finals, which was a huge achievement for us, especially considering it was our debut. We learned a lot about the game, our opponents, and ourselves as a team.

For England, our focus will be on building upon our performance in India. This means:

Intensifying our training: We'll be working on our fitness, agility, and tactical strategies.

Strengthening our teamwork: Khokho is a team sport, and we'll be focusing on improving our coordination and communication on the field.

Developing individual skills: Each player will work on honing their specific skills to contribute to the team's overall performance.

Analyzing our opponents: We'll study the strategies and playing styles of other top teams to prepare ourselves for the competition.

Q8. How Kenya was welcome in India?

Ans . We were absolutely overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality we received in India. From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcomed and respected. It was truly an amazing experience.

Here are a few things that stood out:

The Indian people were incredibly friendly and supportive. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles and encouragement. They were genuinely interested in learning about Khokho in Kenya and sharing their own passion for the sport. Many people went out of their way to help us, whether it was giving us directions, or simply cheering us on during our matches.

The Khokho community in India was incredibly welcoming. They treated us like family. We had the opportunity to interact with players, coaches, and officials from other teams, and we learned so much from them. They were very generous with their time and knowledge, and they made us feel like we were part of the global Khokho fraternity.

Q9. What is the role of your Coach in WorldCup ?

Ans.As captain of the Kenyan Kho Kho ladies team, I credit our quarter finals run to the incredible dedication and expertise of our coaching staff. Head Coach Brian Onyoo's unwavering commitment guided us through intense training, culminating in our pooling victory. We were also fortunate to receive valuable training from Coach Narendra Kunder (India) in December 2024, whose expertise in the game, particularly in tackles and technical techniques, proved invaluable. Both coaches demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn and adapt, which was instrumental in our team's success.

Q10. Any words for Sunday KhoKho Series?

Ans.It's a good opportunity for players to exchange their ideas and learn from it and also for fans to understand the things in a better way.I am very thankful to Sunday KhoKho Series team for introducing me around the world.

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)