On the philanthropic front, Akshay Kumar has been giving back to the community through his annual Kudo tournament for 16 consecutive years. This selfless initiative, aptly named the Akshay Kumar Kudo International Tournament, provides a platform for kids to discover the benefits of martial arts and a disciplined lifestyle as a routine for them. The 16th edition for the same was held on 11th November, with Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty joining as chief guests.
Akshay Kumar’s dedication to fitness and wellness is well-known, but his commitment to nurturing young minds goes beyond physical health. The tournament aims to instill discipline, confidence, and teamwork in its participants. By providing a supportive environment, Akshay encourages kids to develop essential life skills. And this year, the tournament was extra special because Team Kudo India – the students attempted for the 14th Guinness World Record.
This world record was for having the most people in a one inch bed of nails sandwich. This world record comprised of 12 students. Akshay Kumar also joined them in achieving this historic feat. Another record made was for the longest duration to hold the Hercules pillars. This time the pillars of 160 kgs each were held for more than 1 minute 40 seconds 4 milliseconds.
Every year, the tournament welcomes a new guest of honor. This year Akshay’s Hera Pheri co-stars Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty joined him.
Another highlight from the event was when Akshay Kumar honored Suniel Shetty with a black belt, on receiving this honor, Suniel Shetty said, “Kudos to Akshay and the 16th International Kudo Festival, it is very impressive. I knew that Akshay was doing a lot with Karate and Kudo, and it becomes very important when a person gets so involved with the initiative that he personally looks into it. The progress you’ll have made with this is all thanks to Akshay and I think the world needs to talk about this.” Suniel also thanked Akshay for giving ‘top-class citizens to the country’, and continued, “He is doing such an incredible job. Our films usually work because of Pareshji, we don’t know how to act. We have learned acting from him. Thank you, Akshay, for the work you do, unfortunately as actors, we are looked at as we do these things just for the limelight, but no, 16 years ago this has been done and only you know the journey. I would love to be a brand ambassador for Kudo so that people know more about it.”
Paresh Rawal also said, “I thank Akshay from the bottom of my heart for encouraging kids to achieve all this, he is doing fantastic work. Both Akshay and Suniel are the most punctual actors in the industry, it is a puzzle to know how they stay so fit. They are an example to all, Akshay is very passionate about fitness and both are silent workers, they never talk about it, unlike others who work less, but publicize it more.”
Through this initiative, Akshay Kumar demonstrates his big-hearted nature, investing in the future of India’s youth. His humility and dedication to empowering kids make him a true inspiration.
