Sohail Khan Creates History with Silver Medal at Kudo World Cup 2025, Registers India’s Best-Ever Finish in Senior Men’s Division
(File Photo | IANS)
Burgas, Bulgaria: India’s Sohail Khan etched his name in history by clinching the silver medal in the Men’s -250 P category at the Kudo World Cup 2025, marking the country’s best-ever finish in the senior men’s division at the global tournament. Held in Burgas, Bulgaria, the prestigious event saw participation from top athletes across the world.
Hailing from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Sohail is fondly known as the "Golden Boy of MP" and lived up to his reputation with a standout performance throughout the tournament.
A Dominant Journey to the Podium
Sohail began his campaign in the Round of 16 against Pakistan’s Abdulla, but advanced via walkover after his opponent failed to meet the weight criteria.
In the quarterfinal, he edged past Bulgaria’s Rusev Radoslav with a narrow 1-0 victory, showcasing tactical discipline and control.
The semifinal saw Sohail deliver one of his most dominant performances, defeating Lithuania’s Andzej Voinius by a comprehensive 4-0 margin, securing India’s first-ever place in a senior men’s final at the Kudo World Cup.
A Historic and Intense Final
In the gold medal bout, Sohail faced a fierce challenge from France’s Quentin Miramont. The contest remained locked with no definitive score after the standard two rounds.
For the first time in the entire tournament, the match was extended to a rare third round due to the deadlock. Despite Sohail’s spirited and resilient effort, he narrowly missed out on gold, losing by just two points in a nail-biting finale.
Nonetheless, the silver medal marked a historic moment for Indian Kudo.
Backed by a Strong Support Team
Sohail’s success is not only a result of his dedication but also the support of a professional and experienced coaching team:
- Head Coach: Mohammad Aijaz Khan
- Conditioning Coach: Harikant Tiwari
- Strength & Nutrition Coach: Deepak Tiwari
- Striking Coach: Bhabajeet Choudhary
A Decorated Career with a New Milestone
Sohail’s silver medal adds to an already impressive resume:
- Gold Medalist at the 2017 Junior World Cup
- Four-time gold medalist at the Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament
- Quarterfinalist at the 2023 Senior World Championship
Ranked 12th seed going into the 2025 World Cup following a bronze at the Eurasian Cup, Sohail defied expectations and delivered India’s best-ever performance in the senior men’s category on the world stage.