Kudo athlete Sohail Khan calls for event to be made part of National Games programme

Junior world champion, Sohail Khan, also pointed out that Kudo is one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts discipline.

Madhya Pradesh’s Kudo sensation Sohail Khan has called for the inclusion of Kudo in the National Games, emphasizing the sport’s rapid growth and rising popularity across India. The 38th edition of the National Games, currently underway in Uttarakhand, features 32 sports and four demonstration events—Mallakhamb, Kalarippayattu, Rafting, and Yogasana. However, Kudo, one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts disciplines, remains absent from the event’s lineup.

Sohail Khan, a decorated Kudo martial artist in the Men’s -250 PI category, has built an illustrious career with numerous accolades. The Junior World Champion has secured 21 national gold medals and made a mark on the global stage, reaching the quarterfinals of the Senior Kudo World Championship in Tokyo, Japan (2023). His most recent achievement includes winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Eurasian Kudo Cup in Armenia.

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Khan firmly believes Kudo deserves a place in India’s premier multi-sport event.

“Kudo should be a part of the national games as it is one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts in India and across the world. With over 10 lakh active athletes participating in villages, districts, and states, it has become a significant sport in India,” he stated.

Kudo’s influence extends beyond national borders, with over 10 National Olympic Committees recognizing the sport. In India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Government of India have officially acknowledged Kudo, further strengthening its credibility.

Bollywood icon and sports enthusiast Akshay Kumar, who serves as the chairman of Kudo India, has played a vital role in its promotion and development.

“Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Government of India, and supported by the chairman of sports, Akshay Kumar, Kudo has established itself as a globally known sport with immense potential to thrive further. Moreover, Kudo has been recognized by more than 10 National Olympic Committees, showcasing its growing importance and global reach,” Sohail Khan concluded.

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