Bulgaria – In a proud moment for Indian martial arts, Sohail Khan from Madhya Pradesh scripted history by clinching the silver medal in the Men’s -250P category at the prestigious Kudo World Cup 2025. Held on July 5–6 in Bulgaria, the tournament saw elite Kudo athletes from across the globe compete for top honors. Sohail’s silver marks India’s best-ever performance in the senior men’s division at this global stage.
From Sagar to the World Stage
Hailing from the Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, Sohail Khan—often referred to as the “Golden Boy of MP”—delivered an outstanding performance, standing tall on the world podium. His journey through the championship was marked by both resilience and skill, as he battled some of the best fighters the sport has to offer.
The Road to the Final
Sohail began his campaign in the Round of 16 against Pakistan’s Abdullah. However, due to Abdullah failing to meet the weight category criteria, Sohail was awarded a walkover, advancing him directly to the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinal clash, he faced local favorite Rusav Radoslav from Bulgaria. It was a tense encounter, but Sohail held his nerve and secured a narrow 1-0 victory, moving him into the semifinals.
His semifinal bout was perhaps his most dominant performance of the tournament. He took on Lithuania’s Andze Voinius and dismantled him with a commanding 4-0 scoreline. The win not only booked his place in the final but also guaranteed India its first-ever medal in this category at the senior level.
A Thrilling Final Showdown
The final match against France’s Quentin Miramont was a nail-biter and showcased the highest level of Kudo. Both fighters were evenly matched, and neither could gain a decisive edge in the two regulation rounds. As a result, the match entered a rare third round—the only bout in the entire tournament to do so.
Sohail fought valiantly, giving his all in the extended battle. However, he narrowly missed the gold by just two points, settling for a hard-earned silver. Despite the loss, his performance earned him immense respect and admiration from athletes and coaches alike.
The Team Behind the Champion
Behind Sohail’s stellar performance lies a dedicated support system. His head coach, Dr. Mohammad Ejaz Khan, has been instrumental in refining his techniques and strategy. Strength and conditioning coach Harikant Tiwari, nutrition coach Deepak Tiwari, and striking coach Bhabajeet Choudhary all played crucial roles in preparing him for this global challenge.
A Career Marked by Excellence
This silver medal adds to an already impressive list of accolades in Sohail’s career. He first rose to prominence by winning a gold medal at the Junior World Cup in 2017. Since then, he has claimed four gold medals at the Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament and reached the quarterfinals of the Senior World Championship in 2023.
Coming into the 2025 World Cup, Sohail was ranked 12th, thanks to a bronze medal performance at the Eurasian Cup earlier this year. However, his powerful showing in Bulgaria has catapulted him to the top of Indian Kudo, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
A Milestone Moment for Indian Kudo
Sohail Khan’s silver medal is not just a personal achievement; it’s a landmark for Indian Kudo on the international stage. His journey—from local dojos in Madhya Pradesh to the grand arena of the World Cup—serves as an inspiration for young martial artists across the country.
As India continues to grow its presence in combat sports, champions like Sohail are leading the charge, proving that with dedication, discipline, and the right support, Indian athletes can compete—and win—on the world stage.
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