Cinema VinesOn August 5, 2026, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar announced the return of the Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament (AKKT) via his social‑media channels. The 18th edition of the event is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on November 15, 2026, according to the actor’s post, which featured a promotional poster and the Hindi caption, “Ek aur safar. Ek aur challenge. Ek hi junoon… Kudo 18th Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament ke liye milte hain Ahmedabad mein. 15 November, 2026.”
The tournament, founded in 2009, has become one of India’s premier grassroots combat‑sports competitions. Akshay Kumar, a trained martial artist, launched the event alongside Hanshi Mehul Vora, President of the Kudo International Federation India (KIFI). Its mission is to give aspiring athletes an international‑standard platform to compete, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
A hallmark of AKKT is that participation is completely free for competitors. Over the years, the tournament has supported thousands of young martial artists from across the country by covering or subsidising travel, accommodation and other logistical costs. This approach has earned the initiative recognition for making competitive martial arts more accessible and for fostering the growth of Kudo nationwide.
The announcement has sparked enthusiasm among martial‑arts enthusiasts, who view the event as a vital opportunity to showcase talent and promote the sport. The 18th edition promises to continue AKKT’s legacy of inclusivity and excellence, drawing athletes from cities, towns and villages alike to compete in Ahmedabad on November 15, 2026.
