Bhubaneswar: Three talented players from Odisha have been selected to represent India at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, set to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
Pabani Sabar will compete in the Men’s Indian Kho Kho team, while Magai Majhi and Subhashree Sing will join the Women’s Indian Kho Kho team. Both teams will face strong global competition, with 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams participating.
The trio, who previously represented Odisha in Senior National Championships, have been undergoing rigorous training at the Odisha AM/NS Kho Kho High-Performance Centre under coach Sanjeev Sharma’s mentorship for the past eight months.
Coach Sharma praised the players for their dedication, especially Pabani Sabar, describing him as an exceptional all-rounder and a key member of the gold-winning team at the Ultimate Kho Kho Tournament. He also commended Magai Majhi and Subhashree Sing for their resilience in earning their spots amid tough competition.
The Odisha government recently announced a three-year sponsorship for the national Kho Kho team, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting the sport. Additionally, four technical officials from Odisha will also participate in the prestigious event.
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup marks a significant milestone for the sport, and Odisha’s representation highlights its growing prominence in the national and international sports arena.
