New Delhi [India], January 15: The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi has been a resounding success, with players from 23 countries participating in the exciting competition, featuring 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams. Australia’s vice-captain Bridgette Cottrill is thrilled to be part of the event and is hopeful for Kho Kho’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“We had an amazing game, though the result didn’t go in our favor, the energy was fantastic. This is our first time playing together as a full unit since we come from different cities in Australia, and it’s been an incredible experience,” she said, according to a release from the Kho Kho World Cup.
Cottrill noted the friendly rivalry with England, a familiar fixture in sports like cricket, soccer, and rugby. “We expected them to be strong, as they’ve had their national league for a much longer time, but there’s no better way to start the series than with such a great team,” she added.
Though Cottrill was unfamiliar with Kho Kho initially, she became involved after a friend’s invitation. “I had never heard of Kho Kho before, but I knew about Kabaddi. A friend of a friend called me up, and I rallied some friends to form a team. I’ve only recently learned the rules, but we’ve been training hard and formed a strong squad,” she explained.
Having a background in netball, basketball, and equestrian sports helped Cottrill quickly adapt to the demands of Kho Kho. “As a long-distance runner, my endurance has been helpful, and agility has been key. The strategy aspect is something new to me—it’s like a mix of chess and running endurance, which makes the game really interesting,” she said.
Cottrill, originally from Albury, is also enjoying her time in India. “I work as a public servant on climate policy in the Pacific, and it’s been amazing to be here. India has always been on my bucket list. The culture, the people, the food, and the warmth of everyone here have made this experience so special. The hospitality has been fantastic, and even the drive to the stadium every day has been amazing,” she concluded.