Pratik Waikar: The Kaptaan Leading India's Kho Kho Charge

With the Kho Kho World Cup set for January 2025 in New Delhi, India aims to clinch the title. Key to this ambition is Pratik Waikar, an Eklavya Award-winning player who rose from humble beginnings to become a star. His journey highlights the transformative power of sports commitment.

As anticipation builds for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup scheduled from January 13-19, 2025, in New Delhi, top players across the globe are preparing for this historic event. Among them, India's hopes rest on seasoned players, including the remarkable Pratik Waikar, renowned for his consistent performances on the Kho Kho field.

Waikar, an Eklavya Award recipient, has a rich history in sports, starting at just eight years old. His motivation stemmed from witnessing his neighbor's celebrated achievements, inspiring Waikar to pursue a career in Kho Kho. Financial challenges initially hindered his journey, but Pratik's talent soon secured him a spot at the Maharashtra Electricity Board through a talent quota, changing his family's destiny.

Waikar, who captained the Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, now directs his focus to winning. He recently played a key role in Maharashtra's gold victory at the 56th Senior National Kho Kho Championship. An advocate for sports sciences, Waikar acknowledges how technology has helped refine his gameplay, enhancing player performance and efficiency. With the World Cup approaching, Pratik Waikar stands as a beacon of hope and determination in India's quest for victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)