Shillong, Sep 11: Two Meghalaya kickboxers – Ibadarishisha Mukhim and Nathaniel Pynbianglang Kurkalang – will represent India at the WAKO Cadets & Juniors World Kickboxing Championship 2018, which will run from 15th to 23rd September in Venice, Italy.
A small send-off function was organised by the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association (MSKA) here today. The two kickboxers will leave Shillong for Italy tomorrow.
Mukhim is a Class 12 student from Lumparing, Shillong, and will take part in the Junior Girls Below-48kg Full Contact event, while Kurkalang, a Class 9 student from Mylliem Mawri will take part in the Junior Boys Below-60kg K1 Rule event.
The MSKA said that the two “have excelled and brought medals for the state” from national tournaments in 2017 and 2018.
The MSKA has previously had difficulties in seeing its eligible athletes getting the funding required to travel abroad for international tournaments. Most recently this was seen in the case of Hameshaniah Suiam, who is a noted kickboxer from Meghalaya but who also couldn’t participate in a championship in Russia due to funding constraints that were not resolved in time for him to apply for a visa.
It appears different for Mukhim and Kurkalang, however, with their visas received and aeroplane tickets booked. Donations have been raised from the two children’s schools, fellow students and other individuals.
Speaking on the occasion Mukhim said, “I’m happy to get this opportunity and hope to bring victory for my state and country.” She also thanked her family, while Kurkalang added thanks to Suiam for help and inspiration.
The chief guest on the occasion was Allantry Dkhar, Advisor to the MSKA and the state government.
“I have a strong belief that they (Mukhim and Kurkalang) will come back with laurels,” he said while encouraging them to stick to the “straight and true” path.
MSKA Advisor Vikash Gupta and MSKA Working President Lorrenzo Warjri were among the others to also speak at the gathering.
(TSR photo. Ibadarishisha Mukhim is first from right, Nathaniel Pynbianglang Kurkalang second from right)
