Salman Khan Named Brand Ambassador for First-Ever Kho Kho World Cup
The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for the upcoming Kho Kho World Cup. This historic event will take place in New Delhi from January 13 to January 19, 2025. The announcement was made at the National Players Training Camp held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Present at the event were KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, General Secretary MS Tyagi, as well as members and coaches of the Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams.
Salman Khan, a long-time supporter of Kho Kho, shared his excitement about the tournament. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled playing the sport and expressed his pride in seeing it grow globally. The Bollywood icon praised the initiative to host the World Cup in India’s capital city, calling it a tribute to the nation’s heritage.
In a video message, Salman Khan said, “Namaste India. I am proud to announce that I am the Brand Ambassador for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025! This is not just a tournament—it’s a tribute to India’s soil, spirit, and strength. Kho Kho is a sport that encapsulates India’s legacy. All of us, including me, have played Kho Kho at one point in our lives.”
He added, “It is a sport with non-stop action and relentless spirit that has already captured global attention. We have one mission: to make sure that the World Goes Kho! Let’s come together and celebrate the soul of Kho Kho on the global stage.”
The tournament will be a week-long event featuring 21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams from 24 nations, all competing for the top prize. The KKFI aims to make the World Cup a grand celebration of the sport, providing equal opportunities for both male and female players. The organization is determined to showcase the energy and excitement of Kho Kho to fans worldwide.
KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal expressed his gratitude to Salman Khan for supporting the initiative. He said, “We are thankful to superstar Salman Khan for taking time out of his busy schedule to support our beloved mitti ka khel. His passion for the sport is truly inspiring, and we are confident that his presence will garner interest from the entire nation towards the upcoming World Cup. We have left no stone unturned to make this inaugural edition a grand success, and we eagerly await the fans to witness what we have in store.”
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has also pledged its support for the event, partnering with the KKFI to ensure its success. The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup is expected to be a landmark moment for the sport, celebrating its cultural significance and bringing it to a global audience.
