"I turned to martial arts as a way to channel my energy"
Known as the ‘Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh’, Sohail Khan is an international athlete whose remarkable journey in Kudo has earned him 19 consecutive national gold medals and global recognition.
Kudo is a Japanese hybrid martial art that combines full-contact combat with safety.
It blends striking, throwing, and grappling techniques, making it a versatile and comprehensive combat sport.
Kudo is also recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India, and by a sub-association of the International Olympic Committee, highlighting its global appeal as one of the safest yet most dynamic martial arts.
Sohail Khan has represented India on the international stage, including the Senior Kudo World Championships in Tokyo.
In 2017, Sohail won the Kudo World Cup.
Sohail is now gearing up for the 2024 Eurasia Cup in Armenia as part of the Indian squad.
Beyond martial arts, Sohail is also an income tax inspector in Mumbai.
In an exclusive chat with DESIblitz, Sohail Khan spoke about his journey into martial arts and what he is doing to grow Kudo in India.
How did you get introduced to Kudo and what drew you to this martial art?
My martial arts journey began during my school years.
I was short-tempered and often got into fights, leading to an eight-month suspension from school.
During that time, I turned to martial arts as a way to channel my energy, starting with Karate. I then grew interested in Taekwondo.
What eventually drew me to Kudo was its modern, full-contact approach that combines both offensive and defensive techniques.
While Karate and Taekwondo focus on singular techniques, Kudo incorporates a wide range of skills, including grappling and ground techniques.
Its blend of stand-up strikes, grappling, and striking – offered in a safe yet aggressive format – ultimately shifted my focus towards Kudo.
Who inspired you to get into martial arts and why?
I was inspired by action stars like Jackie Chan and Akshay Kumar.
However, my rustication from school really pushed me towards martial arts as a way to turn my life around.
My coach at the time played a significant role in motivating me, and that was a key turning point in my life.
What were some of the biggest challenges when you first started training and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was learning to control my temper.
Martial arts gave me the discipline I needed and taught me how to adapt to different situations, both in life and in training.
“I learned to take responsibility not only for my actions but for my emotional responses as well.”
Over time, patience and guidance helped me overcome this challenge.
How do you maintain focus and motivation throughout your training and competitions?
My biggest motivation comes from representing my country, India.
Whenever I feel demotivated or lack confidence, I remind myself that my goal is to bring medals home for India.
This thought of making my country and parents proud keeps me going, even during tough times.
How have you worked to raise awareness and grow Kudo’s popularity in India?
Although Kudo is relatively new in India, it is one of the most advanced martial arts in the world.
Akshay Kumar, who is the chairman of Kudo in India, has been actively promoting the sport, which has helped generate more interest.
Kudo offers a comprehensive mix of martial arts, with a focus on safety, which makes it appealing.
It’s also one of the most dynamic combat sports, not just in India but globally.
What is your typical training routine like leading up to a major competition?
I train for six to eight hours a day, balancing rest, proper nutrition, and conditioning.
My training includes skill and technique refinement, physical conditioning, meditation for mental focus, and regular sessions with my physio and coach.
The routine is designed to build both mental and physical endurance at various levels of preparation.
Who are the key people who have supported you on your journey, and how have they contributed to your success?
My family, especially my mother, has been my greatest support.
“My coach, Dr Mohammad Khan, has also been a major mentor, guiding me both in martial arts and in life.”
Their support and belief in me have been instrumental in my journey.
Do you have any specific strategies or routines that help you stay calm and focused?
Meditation has been a key strategy for me.
It helps me maintain mental stability and focus, allowing me to stay calm under pressure, especially during competitions.
Tell me about your biggest achievements and what they mean to you.
One of my proudest moments was winning the gold medal for India in the Junior Kudo Championship, where I defeated France in the final with a score of 8:0.
That victory was not just a personal achievement, but a moment of pride for my family and my country.
What are your future aspirations in Kudo? Are there any specific goals or milestones you are working towards?
I am currently preparing for the upcoming Asian Championship and the Kudo World Cup next year.
My main goal is to win medals for India and become the first Indian to achieve such a milestone on the world stage in Kudo.
I also aim to inspire the next generation of martial artists in India and help grow the sport’s presence across the country.
What advice would you give to young martial artists in India who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to focus on hard work, self-confidence, and determination.
Believe in your abilities, stay committed to your goals, and work continuously on improving yourself.
“With pure dedication, you can achieve anything you set out to do.”
As Sohail Khan continues to inspire with his achievements, both in the world of Kudo and in his professional life, he embodies the spirit of discipline, perseverance, and passion.
His dedication to representing India on the global stage and his pursuit of excellence have made him a role model for aspiring athletes.
With his sights set on more international victories and the continued growth of Kudo in India, the ‘Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh’ is not just a champion on the mat but also an ambassador for the sport.
The future is bright for Sohail, and his journey is far from over – both as an athlete and a leader in the world of Kudo.
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