Udaipur, November 16, 2024: Rajasthan has once again secured the championship trophies at the 16th Akshay Kumar International Kudo Championship, marking its fifth consecutive triumph, bagging a total of 162 medals — 67 gold, 37 silver and 58 bronze.

According to Shihan Rajkumar Menaria, chief trainer of Kudo Rajasthan and a sixth-degree black belt from NBSII, the Rajasthan team put up a stellar performance under the leadership of chief coach Renshi Vipash Menaria. The team created history at the 15th National Kudo Championship in Surat by amassing 123 medals (57 gold, 25 silver, and 41 bronze) at the championship held from November 5 to 7, 2024. Additionally, at the 5th Federation Cup Championship, Rajasthan bagged 154 medals (70 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze).

The championship's inaugural ceremony was graced by Gujarat Police Commissioner IPS Anupam Singh Gehlot, who lit the ceremonial lamp, with Hanshi Mehul Vora, chief coach of Kudo International Federation India (KIFI), presiding over the event.

Sensei Sonika Sain, secretary of Kudo Rajasthan, said that the closing ceremony featured Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, chairman of Kudo International Federation of India, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal. They were joined by Jogeshwar Garg, Cabinet Minister and Chief Whip of the Rajasthan Government, and Surat Police Commissioner Gehlot, who awarded medals to the winners.

Shihan Raj, vice president of the Kudo India Referee Council, highlighted the stellar performances of Rajasthan’s fighters, including Shivansh Sarkar, Manveer Mahanto, Dhansingh Baghel, and Linashree Dashora (Udaipur), Tanishk Sen (Bikaner), Aradhya Rao (Alwar), and Rishita Roy (Jodhpur). These athletes received the Best Fighter awards in junior, senior, and sub-junior categories at the 15th Akshay Kumar International Championship.

Rajasthan has now set a record as the State with the highest medal tally at the Akshay Kumar International Tournament, representing India for the fifth consecutive time.

On their return to Rajasthan, the winners were given a rousing reception at the Sensei Combat Arena, S.R.A.M.M.A., Udaipur.

This event is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and was organised by KIFI with technical support from Nippon Budo Sogo International India (NBSII).