Sohail Khan Wins Silver at Kudo World Cup 2025
Khan's achievement has put India on the global map of Kudo, and he is determined to continue representing the country with pride in future international tournaments. His success is expected to inspire a new generation of Kudo athletes in India, and his legacy is likely to have a lasting impact on the sport.
Sohail Khan, a 25-year-old Kudo athlete from Madhya Pradesh, made history by becoming the first Indian male to reach the final of the Kudo World Cup, securing a silver medal and India's best-ever finish in the senior men's division.
Khan's achievement is a testament to his hard work and determination, as he defeated opponents from Bulgaria and Lithuania before falling short in the final against France's Quentin Miramont. He was felicitated by the Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, C. P. Radhakrishnan, during the 166th Income Tax Day celebrations in Mumbai, and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Khan's journey to the World Cup final was not without its challenges, as his parents were initially hesitant to support his sport career. However, with the guidance of his coach, Dr Ejaz Khan, and his own perseverance, he has become a full-time Kudo player and has won numerous national and international championships. Khan credits his coach for convincing his parents that sport was his destiny and for his own determination and hard work.
Kudo, a Japanese hybrid martial art, is a full-contact combat sport that combines punches, kicks, throws, locks, restraints, and chokeholds. It is recognized in Japan as a Budo sport and has a growing following in India, thanks to the efforts of Soshihan Mehul Vora, president of the KIFI Association. Khan's silver medal at the World Cup is a historic moment for Indian Kudo, and he hopes to inspire others to take up the sport.
With his sights set on the Asia Oceania Kudo Championships in Japan this November, Khan has resumed training for the national trials in August. He is optimistic about the future of Kudo in India, with the Indian Olympic Association's potential recognition of the sport and its inclusion in the Asian Games and Olympics.