Indian Kho Kho Ace Pratik Waikar Aims for World Cup Glory

New Delhi, India: As the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup approaches, set to take place in New Delhi from January 13-19, 2025, all eyes are on the Indian team to secure the coveted trophy. One player who will be instrumental in India's quest for victory is Pratik Waikar, an Eklavya Award winner and a mainstay of the national team since his debut in 2016.

Waikar's journey to becoming one of India's top Kho Kho players began at the young age of eight, fueled by his family's sporting background and the inspiration of a local sporting hero. "The area where I lived had some excellent Kho Kho players. There was a remarkable player who lived opposite my house. When I was very young, he received the prestigious Shivaji Award, and I witnessed him being welcomed with a grand rally featuring dhol and tasha. These scenes truly inspired me to start playing the sport," Waikar recalled in a press release from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

Despite facing financial challenges early in his career, Waikar's talent shone through. His impressive performances at the U-18 level earned him a job offer through the talent quota at the Maharashtra Electricity Board, a turning point for his family's financial situation. "My family was overjoyed that I had my first job at just 19 years old," Waikar shared, emphasizing the importance of the opportunity.

Waikar's career has been marked by consistent success. He led the Telugu Yoddhas to a second-place finish in the Ultimate Kho Kho League and captained the Maharashtra team to a gold medal at the 56th Senior National Kho Kho Championship.

The upcoming World Cup presents a unique challenge for Waikar and the Indian team. With over two decades of experience in the Indian Kho Kho ecosystem and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Finance, Waikar is set to play a crucial role in India's pursuit of the trophy at the inaugural World Cup.