Indian kudo player Sohail Khan has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the senior level in international kudo events. At the prestigious Eurasian Cup 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia, Khan clinched a bronze medal in the -250 PI men’s category, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
Khan’s journey to the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories. In the Round of 16, he displayed his grappling prowess by submitting Kazakhstan’s Dastan Utimanov. In the quarterfinals, he outmaneuvered Georgia’s Dvaladze Vasili with a 2-0 score.
The semi-finals presented a unique challenge as an Armenian athlete withdrew due to injury. Khan, along with Russia’s Ermakov Ilia and Iran’s Mohsen Baghi Nasrabadi, engaged in a three-player affair to determine the winner.
Khan faced a setback in his first match against Ermakov Ilia, losing 0-2. Ermakov went on to secure the gold medal with a 6-0 victory over Nasrabadi.
In the battle for the silver medal, Khan faced Nasrabadi. Despite his valiant efforts, Khan narrowly missed out on the silver, losing by the slimmest of margins.
“Competing at the Kudo Eurasian Cup 2024 has been an incredible experience,” said Khan after his historic achievement. “Winning the bronze medal for India is a proud moment and motivates me to strive for even greater heights. This is just the beginning, and I am determined to push my limits and aim for gold in the future.”
Khan’s success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the guidance of his coach, Dr. Mohd Aijaz Khan. Together, they have fulfilled their dream of bringing home the first international kudo medal for India.
