Salman Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup. The event will be held in New Delhi from January 13th to January 19th, 2025. This announcement was made by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) during a media event at the National Players Training Camp at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
During the announcement, Salman Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. He reminisced about his own experiences with Kho Kho and praised the initiative to host this global event in India.

"I am proud to be associated with 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. All of us, including me, have played Kho Kho at one point in our lives," he stated.
The tournament will feature 21 men's teams and 20 women's teams from 24 countries. A demonstration match was organised for both men's and women's teams, showcasing star players like Pratik Waiker, Aditya Ganpule, Ramji Kashyap, and Priyanka Ingle. The event promises to be an exciting spectacle for fans worldwide.
KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal expressed gratitude towards Salman Khan for supporting the sport. "We express our gratitude to the superstar Salman Khan for lending time from his busy schedule to our beloved mitti ka khel. His passion for the sport is truly inspiring and we are confident that he will bring interest from the entire nation towards the upcoming World Cup," he said.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed its partnership with KKFI, offering full support for this inaugural event. This collaboration aims to elevate the profile of Kho Kho on a global stage while ensuring equal opportunities for all participants.
The KKFI is committed to providing an equal platform for both men and women players. They have ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place to make this tournament a grand success. Fans can look forward to experiencing thrilling matches throughout the week-long competition.
The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) serves as the national governing body for Kho-Kho in India. Led by President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, it oversees state associations affiliated with it and conducts national championships annually across various categories. Additionally, KKFI collaborates with Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), a franchise-based league held each year.
This inaugural edition of the World Cup marks a significant milestone for Indian sports on an international level. With Salman Khan's involvement and widespread support from organisations like IOA, expectations are high for this historic event.