The inaugural edition of Kho Kho World Cup opened here on Monday with a spectacular ceremony with Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar lighting the torch to officially signal the start of the showpiece. Thousands of fans packed the Indira Gandhi Stadium with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha among the dignitaries present on the occasion. A colourful cultural performance preceded the official opening of the tournament. A sand art projection--paying ode to Mother Earth--began the show, after which a ceremonial parade of the Indian flag filled the audience with pride. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) then unveiled the World Cup trophy for both men’s and women’s tournament with the lifting of the cube, inviting loud cheers from the spectators. After a stunning dance performance celebrating India, and highlighting the vibrant and colourful culture of the country, the athletes of the participating nations took a parade around the stadium. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Rajya Sabha Member Rajeev Shukla and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) and Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) President Sudhanshu Mittal were the other dignitaries present. Welcoming the players from 23 countries in the men’s and women’s competitions, Dhankhar said, “This has been a spectacular start to the tournament. It feels like the entire world is celebrating Kho Kho. “Today’s momentous occasion will go down in our golden history of sports. I am confident that in future, our own indigenous sports will reach the international level.”
