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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.

Sohail Khan, the "Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh," has made history by becoming the first Indian to represent the country in the Men's -250 PI category at the prestigious Eurasian Cup 2024 in Armenia. This tournament is a pinnacle event in the global Kudo calendar, and Sohail's selection has ignited immense excitement and anticipation across India.Hailing from a humble background in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Sohail's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and hard work. With an impressive record of 19 national gold medals and the title of 2017 Junior World Champion, he is a proven force in the sport. His performance at the 2023 Senior World Championship, where he narrowly missed a medal after reaching the quarterfinals, further cemented his status as a formidable contender.Despite India's lack of success in the senior men's division at international Kudo tournaments, Sohail's selection for the Eurasian Cup presents a historic opportunity for the country. However, his path to this point has not been without challenges. Growing up in a modest household, he juggled part-time work teaching martial arts with his training to cover tournament expenses.Recently, Sohail secured a position in the Income Tax Department through the Sports Quota (Mumbai), reflecting his dedication to both his sport and his country. His achievements have also earned him recognition from Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who invited him to discuss the future of Kudo in India.Despite these accolades, Sohail continues to face financial hurdles. The costs associated with competing at the highest level, including travel, training, and equipment, are substantial. Securing sponsorships remains a challenge for him, as it does for many athletes in sports outside of cricket in India.The Selection Trials for the Eurasian Kudo Cup 2024 were fiercely competitive, with over 100 athletes vying for a spot on the national team. Sohail's exceptional performance secured his place in the Men's -250 PI category, solidifying his position as India's best hope for a medal in this major international event.As India eagerly awaits Sohail's performance in Armenia, there is a collective hope that his efforts will bring home the country's first international victory in senior Kudo. His journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.