Ghana made its debut on the world stage of Kho Kho at the ongoing 1st edition of Kho Kho World Cup showcasing their determination and skill.
The first day of the Kho Kho World Cup for team Ghana was a whirlwind of emotions, featuring both their first win and loss in the Men’s category group stage.
The day began with a challenging match against South Africa. Despite their best efforts and some remarkable plays, Ghana faced a narrow defeat.
Undeterred by their earlier loss, Ghana executed their game plan with precision and determination against Argentina in their second match. The win was a significant morale booster, proving their capability to compete on the international stage.
The day’s outcomes perfectly captured the highs and lows of good sportsmanship. While the triumph over Argentina demonstrated Team Ghana’s potential and tenacity to play at an international level, the setback served as a useful lesson. Their perseverance in the face of hardship was evidence of their commitment and character.
Recognizing the strong cultural ties between Kho Kho and Ghana’s native game ‘Antoe Kyere’, the country adopted the game as part of its efforts to preserve and promote indigenous sports. Inspired by their studies under the ‘Indigame Project’, a group of enthusiastic University of Ghana students travelled to India in 2019 to attend a Kho Kho coaching camp. Their work established the groundwork for the Kho Kho movement in Ghana, which is led by the Ghana Kho Kho Federation.
Beginning with community and school-based initiatives, the Ghana Kho Kho Federation hopes to expand the sport throughout the continent. Federation President Wonder Goldry Sitsofe Mandel, who leads Team Ghana, said, “Ghana is a pioneer of Kho Kho in West Africa, and its journey extends beyond the tournament.”
Team Ghana’s participation in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment in Ghana’s sporting history. Passion, teamwork, and dedication to using athletics to preserve culture are all demonstrated by this voyage. Ghana is prepared to shine and compete with pride and tenacity as the world watches.
