Kho Kho World Cup 2025: A look at Dr. Hiren Pathak's journey from Rajkot to Delhi via Kenya

Dr Hiren moved to Kenya two decades ago but returned to India for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

“We grew up playing Indian games, and Kho Kho has been one of them,” says Dr. Hiren Pathak, who represents Kenya in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. A practicing physician for three years, Dr Hiren moved to Kenya two decades ago when his father found employment there, showcasing more and more participation among countries.

A sports enthusiast, Dr. Hiren credits the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) in Kenya for promoting indigenous sports in the African country. “I became involved with Kho Kho 20 years ago when we moved to Kenya. The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh provides practice areas and support for many Indian sports,” he explains.

“We play Kabaddi, practice Dand (traditional Indian exercise), and engage in many activities that originated in India. Though we didn’t have formal tournaments, we played Kho Kho at least once a week.”

Kho Kho was formally introduced to Kenya in 2020, gaining a structured framework. The country’s system of counties helps scouts identify promising athletes and players.

“Players were identified from different counties for team selection,” Dr Hiren explains. “Small clubs are now emerging and adopting Kho Kho, which will contribute to the sport’s growth in the country.”

Dr. Hiren commends the efforts of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) for organizing this multi-nation competition.

“Participating in the World Cup has been an incredible experience. This is the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, and we’re delighted to be part of it. The experience has been extraordinary,” Dr Hiren concludes.

The World Cup has proven to be a blockbuster event, bringing together athletes from various countries to celebrate Kho Kho.

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