By Anya S 12B
The first month of 2025 has been a whirlwind for me, filled with pride, excitement, and invaluable lessons as I represented Team England in the Kho Kho World Cup held in New Delhi, India. Competing on such a grand stage was a dream come true, and every moment of this incredible journey will remain etched in my heart forever.
On January 7th, my Team and I were invited to the British Parliament by Bob Blackman MP, where we each received a certificate for our achievements and entered into the Book of World Records. Moments like these remind me of the power of hard work and perseverance.
The Media
The Indira Ghandi Stadium was filled with 25,000 roaring fans from all across the world. It didn’t stop there, the paparazzi stood outside our hotel taking pictures at any opportunity they could get when they spotted a team coming in and out of the hotel. The whole event was televised by the TV channels Star Sports and Disney Hot Star. The press from the local tabloids such as the Times of India printed our interviews and televised them in the local news.
A Spectacular Opening Ceremony
The championship began with an opening ceremony on the 13th of January that was nothing short of breathtaking. Hundreds of drummers and dancers adorned in traditional Indian attire filled the stadium with vibrant energy. The artistry of contortionists and the display of fireworks lit up the sky, captivating all who watched. The ceremony was a perfect showcase of cultural heritage and athletic spirit, whilst including an amazing opening men’s match with Nepal against India.
As one of 24 countries participating in the tournament, Team England proudly paraded around the stadium, holding our national flag high. It was a moment of immense pride to walk alongside athletes from across the world, united by our love for this dynamic sport.
Triumphs and Challenges on the Field
Our campaign kicked off with a thrilling match against Australia’s women’s team, and we made a statement with a dominant victory, scoring an impressive 81-30. This win set the tone for the competition, filling us with confidence and determination.
Later that day, we faced Uganda in a nail-biting match. Both teams showcased incredible skill and teamwork, but Uganda edged past us, winning 45-30. Though it was a tough loss, it served as a reminder of the resilience needed at such a high level of competition.
A Memorable Evening with the High Commissioner
Midway through the tournament, our team had the honour of being invited to dinner by Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India. Meeting such a distinguished personality was a surreal experience. She took the time to interview me about my journey and we posed for photos together. Her words of encouragement left a lasting impact, further fuelling my determination to represent my country with pride. This meeting was another highlight in a month filled with accolades.
Battling Through the Tournament
In the days that followed, we faced teams from Kenya, and the Netherlands, emerging victorious in both matches. Each game tested our skills, endurance, and teamwork, but the dedication of my teammates and coaches helped us pull through. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we missed out on the quarter-finals by just nine points. While it was disappointing not to progress further, the experience has only strengthened my resolve to come back stronger in future competitions.
Looking Ahead
Our focus now shifts to the nationals, premier league and the Kho Kho European championships later this year. We aim to build on our performance and showcase the growth of Kho Kho in England, with talks of the sport potentially being included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
A Life-Changing Experience
Representing Team England on an international stage has been the most amazing experience of my life. To compete in a sport that is growing globally and to be one of the youngest players in the team and the entire competition is a privilege I will forever cherish. Though the final results didn’t go our way, the friendships, lessons, and memories from this world cup are invaluable. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am beyond grateful to have been a part of it.
Kho Kho has taught me the importance of resilience, dedication, and teamwork, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next. To every young athlete out there: dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in yourself. You never know—you just might find yourself holding your country’s flag, making history like I did.