Shillong, July 19, 2025:
In a significant milestone for martial arts in Meghalaya, 16 promising athletes from the state have been selected to participate in the prestigious Akshay Kumar KUDO Tournament, scheduled to be held in October 2025 in Surat, Gujarat. The athletes, under the banner of the Kudo Association of Meghalaya, were chosen following a rigorous coaching camp recently held in Sivasagar, Assam.
Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, President of the Association, Bah Pynshai Mawrie, revealed that most of the selected participants hail from East Khasi Hills District. The coaching camp, which served as the selection platform, was instrumental in identifying and preparing athletes for national-level competition.
KUDO, a modern Japanese-origin full-contact combat sport, uniquely blends traditional martial arts techniques with elements of mixed martial arts (MMA). Its growing popularity in India is credited to the promotional efforts of actor Akshay Kumar and KUDO India President Mehul Vora. The sport emphasizes not only physical strength but also discipline, focus, and character development.
Bah Mawrie highlighted that KUDO has gained official recognition from several key bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Khelo India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA), and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. This recognition paves the way for Indian athletes to compete at both national and international levels under an accredited framework.
The Meghalaya contingent’s participation was made possible through financial support from South Shillong MLA Shri Shanor Shullai, who contributed ₹50,000 to facilitate the team’s attendance at the Sivasagar camp. Bah Mawrie expressed deep gratitude for this vital backing, which he described as a “turning point” for the athletes.
“We earnestly request further support from authorities and stakeholders,” said Mawrie. “We aim to ensure Meghalaya’s participation in the 2027 National Games, where KUDO is expected to be officially included. This sport is more than just competition — it is a platform for holistic development.”
The Kudo Association of Meghalaya has reiterated its commitment to promoting the sport at the grassroots level and creating opportunities for youth to excel both within and beyond the state. The selected athletes now gear up for intense preparations, carrying with them the hopes and pride of the entire region as they look ahead to Surat.
