Kudo World Cup 2025: Sohail Khan to represent India in Bulgaria

Junior world champion, Sohail Khan has firmly established himself as one of India’s most accomplished martial artists.

Sohail Khan, one of India’s top Kudo fighters, has officially earned his place in the Kudo World Cup 2025, which will be held in Bulgaria on June 28-29. His selection came after a dominant performance at the final trials in Surat on February 8-9, where he competed in the Men’s -250 PI category (19+ age group) and emerged victorious.

Despite already securing a quota for India by winning a bronze medal at the Eurasian Kudo Cup 2024 in Armenia, Sohail Khan still had to prove himself at the trials. With his place on the national team on the line, he stepped into the ring and delivered two back-to-back commanding victories.

In his first fight, Sohail faced a tough opponent from Rajasthan but wasted no time asserting dominance. Using his fast striking and well-calculated attacks, he scored a knockout victory, winning the match with a clear 8:0 score.

The final fight was against an opponent from Arunachal Pradesh, a national and international medalist. This time, Sohail showcased his superior ground skills and grappling strength. He locked in a submission hold, forcing his opponent to tap out, sealing another 8:0 victory and securing his place on the Indian team for the Kudo World Cup.

Sohail’s journey to the World Cup has not been easy. His training is an intense mix of technical refinement, strength conditioning, and mental preparation. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Mohammad Aijaz Khan, he has been sharpening his techniques, improving his fight strategies, and working on perfecting every aspect of his game. Meanwhile, his strength and conditioning sessions are being supervised by Deepak Tiwari in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, ensuring he is in peak physical shape to compete against the best in the world.

The road to this moment has been filled with countless hours of grueling practice, injuries, setbacks, and sacrifices. Yet, his unwavering spirit and determination to bring glory to India have kept him pushing forward.

Speaking after his selection, Sohail expressed his gratitude and shared his mindset ahead of the World Cup:

“First of all, I would like to thank you all for your love, support and belief in me. This achievement is not just mine—it belongs to all of us. Behind every win, there’s been intense training, brutal conditioning, and countless hours of hard work. My coaches, my training partners, and most importantly, my parents—who have never said no to anything I needed—have been my biggest strength. But the struggle isn’t over. Financial challenges are still there, and I hope to overcome them soon.”

“This is more than just a fight for me. It’s a fight for everyone who has supported me. I’m not just going to participate—I’m going for a medal and to make history for India. I’m coming from India, and I am not here to participate. I am here to take over.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Kudo World Cup 2025

With his selection confirmed, Sohail now faces the biggest challenge of his career—competing against the best Kudo fighters from over 60 countries at the Kudo World Cup 2025 in Bulgaria. He is set to undergo a rigorous training camp in the coming months, focusing on refining his technique, improving endurance, and adapting strategies to compete at the highest level.

While the competition will be fierce, Sohail remains determined to bring home a world medal for India—a feat that would make history. His journey is far from over, but with the right training, the unwavering support of his team, and the relentless fighting spirit that defines him, he is ready to take on the world. This is not just his battle but a fight for everyone who has stood by him. India will be watching, and Sohail Khan is ready to make his mark.

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