Eurasian Cup 2024: Sohail Khan wins bronze; secures India's first senior international medal in Kudo

Sohail Khan was placed third in -250 PI men’s category.

Indian kudo player Sohail Khan created history by becoming the first Indian player to win a medal at the senior level in international kudo events. Khan won a bronze medal in the -250 PI men’s category at the Eurasian Cup 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia.

He qualified for the knockouts stage following successive victories against Kazakhstan’s Dastan Utimanov by submission and Georgia’s Dvaladze Vasili 2-0 in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively.

The semi-final turned out to be a three-player affair after an Armenian athlete pulled out of the semis owing to an injury. India’s Khan, Ermakov Ilia from Russia and Iranian kudo athlete Mohsen Baghi Nasrabadi squared off in a tri-series to decide the winner.

First up, Khan succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against Russia’s Ermakov Ilia to put his gold medal chances at stake. Ermakov secured a 6-0 victory against Mohsen Baghi Nasrabadi to secure the gold medal in the -250 PI men’s category at the Eurasian Cup.

Also Read: Eurasian Cup 2024: Sohail Khan to be India’s sole participant in Kudo tournament

The 25-year-old Indian athlete was up against Mohsen Nasrabadi as both players had their sight on the silver medal. Mohsen got the better of Khan, defeating the 19-time national champion by the barest of margins.

“Competing at the Kudo Eurasian Cup 2024 in Armenia, one of the most prestigious platforms in the sport has been an incredible experience. Winning the bronze medal for India is a proud moment, and it motivates me to work even harder. This journey is just the beginning, and I’m determined to push my limits and aim for gold in the future,” Khan said after winning the bronze medal.

Under the training of coach Dr Mohd Aijaz Khan, Khan fulfilled his dream of bringing home the first international kudo medal and the first medal for the country in the tournament.

Results:

Round of 32 – BYE

Round 16

Sohail Khan beat Kazakhstan’s Dastan Utimanov by submission

Quarterfinals

Sohail Khan beat Georgia’s Dvaladze Vasili 2-0

Semi-finals

Sohail Khan lost to Ermakov Ilia 0-2Ermakov Ilia defeated Mohsen Baghi Nasrabad 6-0Sohail Khan lost to Mohsen Baghi Nasrabad 0-1

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