Shillong, May 29: Riding on years of consistent success at national and international competitions, a 16-member Meghalaya contingent left for Odisha on Friday to compete in the Junior Boys and Girls National Kickboxing Championship, with hopes of adding another chapter to the state’s growing achievements in the sport.
The championship will be held in Khurda from May 30 to June 3 and will bring together some of the country’s most promising young kickboxers.
The Meghalaya team, fielded by the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association (MSKA), comprises 14 boys and two girls and will be guided by international kickboxer Daniella I W Mylliemngap of Lumparing Lumdorbar, who is accompanying the squad as coach.
Organised by the Odisha State Kickboxing Association under the aegis of the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, the championship will be conducted in accordance with international competition rules laid down by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), which is headquartered in Italy.
The Meghalaya contingent will compete across multiple disciplines, including K1 Rules, Low Kick, Full Contact, Kick Light and Light Contact categories in various weight divisions.
The squad comprises Benjamin Nongtraw, Aedriel Gordon Ranee, Aldrin Osmond Pariat, Derick Dashankur Nongrum, Arrishot Bitdor Mawlieh, Darren Ervim Blah, Saikuparlang Phanbuh, Sumarlang Kharumnuid, Enkupar Wahlang, Misariio Nongdhar, Nangsanshaphrang Kharbithai, Merapkerlang Lyngwa, Erickson Nongkynrih, Hamebuhnam Pathaw, Nathania Mylliem Umpling and Wanlarihun Kharbuki.
MSKA officials expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, citing the state’s impressive record in recent years. Since August 2017, Meghalaya kickboxers have amassed 312 medals at various competitions, including 101 gold, 99 silver and 112 bronze medals. The association has also secured 67 medals at international-standard events and helped bring home nine medals for North-Eastern Hill University at the All India Inter-University Games since 2019.
Ahead of their departure, the young athletes were given a warm send-off at a tea gathering organised by the association. Well-wishers and officials expressed optimism that the team would continue Meghalaya’s strong tradition in kickboxing and return with another impressive medal haul from the national championship.
