Indian Men’s team defeated Sri Lanka 100-40 and Women’s team beat Bangladesh 109-16 to enter into the semi finals of Kho Kho World Cup.

The Indian Women’s team have firmly established their dominance and looks poised to win the World Cup. The team dominated their Bangladeshi counterparts and secured another exceptional win, crushing their opponents 109-16. It is for the third consecutive time that the team have achieved century score at the Kho Kho World Cup.

India started the match with a measured slow pace, executing a deliberate and purpose – driven strategy. The first point of the game was skilfully scored by Wazir Nirmala Bhati, followed by an exceptional pole out by Priyanka, adding an impressive 6 points in just 70 secs.

Turn 1 showcased India’s ruthless dominance, with Reshma’s stunning sky dive earning points. The team delivered rapid strikes, pole-outs, and sensational sky dives, clearing 8 batches in just 7 minutes to hit a half-century. Team India’s high energy and relentless spirit turned up the heat in the cold Delhi, leaving Bangladesh astonished.

In Turn 2, the attackers maintained a faster pace, while the defenders started off slightly slower. However, Ashwini, the best defender, held the line brilliantly along with Captain Priyanka, securing a spectacular 6-minute dream run, driving India to a commanding 56-8 lead.

India soon went into overdrive, unleashing some frenetic moves, unmatched brilliance, boundless energy. Turn 3 was a masterclass in all out dominance – play after plays, sky dives after dives, culminating in yet another half-century. India was soaring at the perfect moment, proving they do not need wings to fly.

India’s defenders displayed strategic brilliance, playing smartly and maintaining momentum with zig-zag movements. Magai Majhi’s exceptional dream run in the final turn sealed the deal, leading India to a 109-16 victory and a place in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the Indian Men’s team continued their stellar World Cup campaign by defeating Sri Lanka and securing a spot in the semi finals.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to defend first, handing an advantage to the Indian team, who are always more comfortable with launching the attack.

The Indian charge started immediately with Ramji leading the attack , and Mehul scoring the first point of the game. Sri Lanka showed strong defense from the outset, but India maintained a steady pace. Once the first point was secured, there was no turning back for India.

Turn 1 was a spectacle, with thrilling sky dives by Subramani, Wazir Pratik, and Ramji, captivating the crowd. India executed quick rallies and displayed brilliant strategy, with Pote and Ramji setting up a perfect trap and tag. In just 7 minutes, India cleared 10 batches, adding 58 points to their total.

Sri Lanka came into Turn 2 with renewed energy, particularly their standout attacker, Wazir Sasindhu, who did make a mark with his moves. India was on the verge of a dream run but narrowly missed it by just 6 seconds. Unable to secure the dream run, India allowed Sri Lanka to score 18 points.

India bounced back in Turn 3 with an intensive attack led by Skipper Pratik and Aditya, who showcased exceptional dives. Siva contributed 4 crucial points at key moments, with the margin too big to be overhauled the team flexed their skills, hunting for more points and clearing almost every batch in under 40 seconds, setting a new record.

Although Sri Lanka had a close call with a dream run, they fell short, showing signs of improvement. India remained relentless, scoring a remarkable half-century in this turn.

In the final turn, Sri Lanka displayed swift moves, quick footwork, and well-executed rallies, clearing the batch in 1minute 38 seconds and earning 22 points, making use of their Wazir Strategically. However they fell short against this relentless Indian unit.

India is now one step closer to lifting the cup, marching into the semi-finals with an impressive 100-40 victory.

Men’s Semifinal on 18th January 2025