New Delhi, Jan 9 (PTI) Prateek Waikar will captain the men's team, while Priyanka Ingle will lead the women's side as hosts India unveiled its squads for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, set to begin here on January 13.
The tournament will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium from January 13 to 19. The Indian men's team will face Nepal on the opening day, while the women's side will take on South Korea on January 14.
In addition to Prateek and Priyanka's leadership roles, Sumit Bhatia will serve as head coach for the women's team, while Ashwani Kumar will mentor the men's squad.
"It is the first World Cup and I have been chosen as the women’s team captain, it is a great feeling indeed. In the coming years Kho Kho will grow in this country and the juniors should practice hard, as they may get opportunities to play in the Asian or Commonwealth Games or even the Olympics," Priyanka told PTI.
"I have been playing Kho Kho for the past 24 years and finally this day has come that I will captain my side. The moment my name was announced, I got goosebumps. My family will be proud that finally my hard-work has paid off," Prateek said..
Kho Kho Federation of India President Sudhanshu Mittal, alongside Kho Kho World Cup CEO Major General Vikram Dev Dogra, made the announcement.
Mittal also revealed a special addition to the teams' jerseys – both the men’s and women’s squads will wear a "Bharat" logo, marking them as "Bharat Ki Team."
"The Indian team will be known as 'Bharat Ki Team'," Mittal said at the media briefing. "The jersey will feature 'Bharat’ prominently."
In addition, the trophy that will be presented to the winner of the women's edition was also unveiled on Thursday.
"The green trophy will honour the women who will showcase their skills," said Geeta Sudhan, COO, Kho Kho World Cup.
Ahead of the tournament, a preparatory camp was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where 60 boys and girls from across India competed for a spot on the national teams.