The Kho Kho Federation of India has secured partnerships with 12 prominent companies for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled for January 13-19.
The tournament has attracted support from diverse sectors, including travel, airports, retail, sports equipment, and professional services firms.
EaseMyTrip, one of India’s leading online travel platforms, has taken on the crucial role of execution partner, managing comprehensive travel logistics for the international sporting event. The company is orchestrating transportation and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth experience for participants and fans alike.
Nishant Pitti, chairman and founder of EaseMyTrip, shared his perspective on the partnership: “As India’s leading travel platform, we are proud to support the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase India’s sporting heritage on the global stage while ensuring seamless travel experiences for international participants. We’re committed to making this historic tournament accessible to sports enthusiasts from around the world.”
GMR Aero joins as Silver Sponsor, and will be instrumental in providing visiting teams with their first taste of Indian hospitality through personalized meet-and-greet services at airports nationwide. GMR is also facilitating seamless immigration processes and airport transfers for international teams, demonstrating its dedication to grassroots sports development.
The tournament’s ticketing system has been modernized through an innovative partnership with District by Zomato & insider.in. The food delivery giant has expanded its digital capabilities to offer free ticket distribution through its widely-used mobile application, streamlining the spectator experience.
In a move to blend traditional Indian culture with contemporary sports presentation, two major fashion retailers have been enlisted for athlete wardrobes. Blackberrys will create Indo-western ceremonial wear, while Tata Taneira will showcase India’s textile heritage through handcrafted ethnic designs.
Shiv Naresh, a leader in athletic wear since 1987, rounds out the apparel partnerships as the official kitting partner. They will provide full kits for all the teams, from their training gear to their matchday kits, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative with their locally manufactured sportswear.
The World Cup’s broadcast reach extends globally, as Star Sports will provide coverage across multiple channels, including Star Sports 1 HD and Star Sports First, while Doordarshan ensures nationwide terrestrial coverage. Disney+ Hotstar joins as the OTT broadcast partner, enabling digital streaming access. The combined network expects to reach approximately 300 million viewers worldwide.
Adding a cultural dimension to the sporting event, Nayan Naveli Gallery serves as the official Contemporary Art Partner, planning to install sport-inspired artwork at tournament venues. The business aspect of the event is supported by two leading consulting firms: Grant Thornton as the Sports Development Partner and Deloitte as the knowledge partner, focusing on sustainable event management and data-driven decision-making.
Sudhanshu Mittal, president of the Kho Kho Federation of India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnerships, stating: “We are delighted to have some of the leading companies in their respective areas as our partners for the 2025 Kho Kho World Cup and are looking forward to having a successful first edition of the tournament with their support and guidance. Each of our partners is committed to making this a benchmark event and has shown utmost zeal while joining us in this historical journey.”
The diverse range of partnerships reflects a strategic approach to elevating this traditional Indian sport to international standards while maintaining its cultural significance. With just days remaining until the tournament begins, these collaborations set a new precedent for the organization of Indigenous sports events on the global stage.
