📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I | Q.99 | Classroom Explanation
(Sports | Art & Culture | Current Affairs)

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📌 Question

Q.99)
Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:

I. The event was held in Delhi, India.
II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78–40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category.
III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54–36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

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✅ Correct Answer: (a) I only

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question is a numbers-based sports trap, a favourite UPSC tactic where scores are deliberately interchanged.

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🔍 Statement-wise Breakdown

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🔹 Statement I

“The event was held in Delhi, India.”
✅ Correct

• The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was held in New Delhi
• Venue: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
• Date of finals: 19 January 2025
• Backed by: Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

📌 Host country questions are generally safe marks

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🔹 Statement II

“Indian men beat Nepal 78–40.”
❌ Incorrect

• Actual score (Men’s Final): 54–36
• Score 78–40 belongs to women’s final, not men

📌 UPSC Trap: Score swapping between men & women categories

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🔹 Statement III

“Indian women beat Nepal 54–36.”
❌ Incorrect

• Actual score (Women’s Final): 78–40
• Statement reverses the real result

📌 UPSC Pattern:

When both scores look plausible, both are wrong

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🧠 One-Line Memory Hook (Prelims Gold)

“Kho Kho WC 2025: Delhi hosted, men 54–36, women 78–40.”

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📍 Quick Fact Capsule (Extra Edge)

• 🥇 India won both men’s & women’s titles
• 🌍 Inaugural World Cup
• 👥 Participation:
  • 20 men’s teams
  • 19 women’s teams
• 🇳🇵 Nepal were runners-up in both categories

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📌 GS Mapping

Traditional Indian Games in Global Context

GS Paper I

Sports & Culture

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