Sohail Khan (born August 18, 1999) popularly known as the Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh, is a Kudo martial artist who has gained international recognition for his skills in this hybrid martial art.[1][2] Kudo, which combines striking, throwing,[3] and grappling techniques, is recognized widely and in India as a safe yet better combat sport. He has since become a dominant figure in the sport, winning an impressive 19 consecutive national gold medals.[4][5][6]

Early life and education

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He hailed from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh India. His educational journey includes Mahar Regiment Public School, Deepak Memorial School (high schooling), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University.[7][8][9]

Career and achievements

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In 2017, he earned the prestigious title of World Champion of Kudo (MMA), a moment that stands as one of his proudest achievements.[10] In 2023, Sohail represented India at the World Championship in Tokyo, a breakthrough,[11] in his international career.[12] Alongside his Kudo success, he has also won national medals in Taekwondo and Karate and represented Madhya Pradesh in Kabaddi and Athletics.[13][14]

Sohail's impressive career has earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the MP 30 Under 30 list, where he was dubbed the Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh.[15] Bollywood actor Shihan Akshay Kumar also recognized Sohail's talents, presenting him with an award at the National Kudo Championship.[16] Sohail emphasizes the importance of support from his coach and family in his journey, with the crowning achievement being his gold medal win for India in the World Championship, where he overcame a strong opponent.[17][18]

His recent participation in tournaments, such as the 14th Kudo National Tournament, 4th Federation Cup, and Akshay Kumar 15th International Kudo Tournament, has further solidified his status as a top contender.[19] Now, he is rigorously training for the Asian Championship and aims to represent India in the Olympics.[20][21][22]

Beyond sports, Sohail is committed to social causes.[23] He conducts women's self-defense camps, reaching over 10,000 women in Sagar annually, and collaborates with local authorities to provide sports kits for girls.[24] His efforts in empowering women have been acknowledged by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Kamalnath. Additionally, he is a founding member of the NGO "Helping Hands", which was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the homeless and less fortunate. Sohail's holistic approach to sports and community service has left a lasting impact, both within and beyond the sporting arena.[4][25]

References

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  1. ^ "Meet Sohail Khan who has a remarkable record of 5 knockouts and 5 submissions". The Bridge - Home of Indian Sports. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  2. ^ "सौभाग्य की बात:शहर के 3 खिलाड़ियों का कूडो वर्ल्ड कप के लिए चयन, जापान जाएंगे". Dainik Bhaskar.
  3. ^ "Four Kudo India National Winners and World Cup Athletes Appointed as Income Tax Officers in Mumbai". Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  4. ^ a b "Madhya Pradesh के गोल्डन बॉय सोहेल खान ने 5 नॉकआउट और 5 सबमिशन का उल्लेखनीय रिकॉर्ड हासिल किया". haryananewspost.com (in Hindi). 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  5. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (2024-06-25). "'गोल्डन बॉय' सोहेल के अक्षय कुमार फैन, मार्शल आर्ट स्टार बनते ही इनकम टैक्स विभाग ने लपका - Sagar kudo Player Sohail khan". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  6. ^ "'Golden Boy Of Madhya Pradesh' Aims To Become First Indian To Earn International Kudo Win | Other Sports News". NDTVSports.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  7. ^ "Meet Sohail Khan - How rustication from school introduced MP's Golden Boy to Kudo". Khel Now. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  8. ^ "Sohail khan believes, "Dream big and give time for your dream it will definitely come true!"". Xplore Sports. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  9. ^ Mahtoliya, Kanika (2023-12-20). "Meet Sohail Khan: MP's Kudo Sensation with 5 Knockouts, 5 Submissions in 12 Breathtaking Fights". Voice of Indian Sports - KreedOn. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  10. ^ "Rajasthan Patrika ePaper:hindi". epaper.patrika.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  11. ^ "Four Kudo India National Winners and World Cup Athletes Appointed as Income Tax Officers in Mumbai". ANI News. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  12. ^ safeer (2024-01-11). "MP के गोल्डन बॉय सोहेल खान का कूडो खेल में दबदबा: राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय टूर्नामेंट में जीते 3 स्वर्ण पदक, 5 नॉकआउट और 5 सबमिशन का बनाया रिकॉर्ड". Lalluram (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  13. ^ "कौन हैं सोहेल खान? जिनको अक्षय कुमार ने मुंबई बुलाया, हमेशा साथ देने का वादा भी किया". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  14. ^ "कूडो में लगातार 9वीं बार सागर बना ओवरऑल चैम्पियन, 78 खिलाडिय़ों ने जीते पदक | sports". Patrika News (in Hindi). 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  15. ^ PR, ANI (2024-06-29). "Four Kudo India National Winners and World Cup Athletes Appointed as Income Tax Officers in Mumbai". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  16. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (2023-12-09). "कूडो की राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय प्रतियोगिता में सागर के लड़कों का कमाल, सूरत में जीते कुल 61 पदक". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  17. ^ "Eurasian Cup 2024: Sohail Khan hopes to become first Indian man to record international win". Khel Now. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  18. ^ "SAGAR TV NEWS (STVN INDIA)". www.sagartvnews.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  19. ^ "Sagar News: कूड़ो में सागर लगातार नौवीं बार चैम्पियन, सागर के अक्षय कुमार खेलेंगे इंटरनेशनल टूर्नामेंट". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  20. ^ Nilay (2024-08-27). "Indian Kudo Star Sohail Khan to Make History at Eurasian Cup 2024". God of Sports. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  21. ^ up18news (2024-06-29). "Four Kudo India National Winners and World Cup Athletes Appointed as Income Tax Officers in Mumbai". Up18 News. Retrieved 2024-10-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ "Patrika 40 under 40- आप पढ़ने या खेल में अच्छे हों या न हों पर अच्छा इंसान जरूर बनें | You may not be good in studies, sports but remain a good person". Patrika News (in Hindi). 2022-06-24. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  23. ^ Manga, Dhiren (2024-09-13). "Sohail Khan on Martial Arts, Kudo & Representing India". DESIblitz. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  24. ^ Today, Sangri (2023-06-24). "The Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh Sohail Khan Shines at the Kudo World Championship". Sangri Today. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  25. ^ www.teenbattinews.com. "कूड़ो में सागर बना लगातार 9वीं बार ओवरआल चैम्पियऩ: राष्ट्रीय कूडो प्रतियोगिता एवं अक्षय कुमार अंतर्राष्ट्रीय कूडो प्रतियोगिता में करेंगे एमपी का प्रतिनिधित्व". Retrieved 2024-10-02.