Creating history in Indian Kudo, the talented athlete from Madhya Pradesh, Sohail Khan, clinched his 22nd consecutive national gold medal. He achieved this milestone at the 3rd Kudo National Championship 2025–26, held from May 16 to 22 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Boys Military School & Junior College in Pune.
Winning 22 national golds is no ordinary feat — it stands as a symbol of passion, dedication, relentless hard work, and years of unwavering commitment. With his sights now set on the upcoming Kudo World Cup 2025, the entire nation watches this young warrior with pride and hope.
Sohail Khan at a Glance
Age: 25 years
State: Madhya Pradesh
Category: Male-250 PI
Fighting Style: Aggressive, technically sound, with sharp decision-making skills
Notable Achievement: Among the most successful Indian Kudo athletes, with 22 consecutive national gold medals.
Journey Through the Championship: A Tale of Victory
Sohail’s 22nd gold didn’t come easy. Competing in the Male-250 PI category, his high seeding earned him byes in the Round of 32 and Round of 16. From the quarterfinals onward, he demonstrated sheer dominance:
- Quarterfinal: Defeated Tana Tag from Arunachal Pradesh via knockout
- Semifinal: Beat Deepak Patel from Haryana via submission
- Final: Outclassed Vabhan Chaturvedi from Rajasthan with a commanding 6-0 decision
These victories showcased not only his technical mastery but also his mental toughness and strategic acumen.
Sohail Khan’s Response: Humility of a Champion
This year’s competition was intensely challenging and highly competitive. Every bout pushed me to perform at my mental, physical, and technical best. Winning gold at the Kudo Nationals is an emotional moment — not just a trophy, but a major step towards a dream.
My complete focus is now on the Kudo World Cup 2025, to be held in July in Bulgaria. I aim to bring home India’s first-ever World Cup medal in this sport.
Next Target: Kudo World Cup, Bulgaria
The Kudo World Cup is scheduled for July 5–6, 2025, in Bulgaria, and it now stands as Sohail’s next battleground. Representing India on a global stage is not just a matter of pride but also a great responsibility. India has never won a medal at the Kudo World Cup — and Sohail Khan is determined to change that.
The Team Behind the Champion
Every great warrior is backed by a strong and skilled team. The following coaches have played a key role in shaping Sohail’s success and preparation:
- Head Coach: Dr. Mohammad Ejaz Khan (Sagar, Madhya Pradesh)
- Conditioning Coach: Harikant Tiwari (Sagar, Madhya Pradesh)
- Strength & Nutrition Coach: Deepak Tiwari (Sagar, Madhya Pradesh)
- Striking Coach: Bhabajeet Choudhary (Guwahati, Assam)
This team ensures that Sohail’s preparation goes beyond physical fitness — encompassing mental stability, dietary discipline, and strategic training.
A Role Model for the New Generation
In a sport like Kudo — which still seeks mainstream attention in India — Sohail Khan’s achievements offer powerful inspiration to aspiring martial artists. He has proven that with dedication and hard work, even limited resources cannot stop one from reaching international heights. Coming from a state like Madhya Pradesh and now knocking on the doors of global recognition, he tells every young athlete:
“If I can do it, so can you.”
Sohail Khan’s 22nd gold is not just another sports headline — it signals the rise of Indian martial arts on the world stage. As he steps onto the mats in Bulgaria, he will carry with him the hopes of a billion hearts, the hard work of his coaches, the blessings of his family, and the spirit of the land that raised him.
Now, we await the day India claims its first-ever Kudo World Cup medal.
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