Shillong, May 29: A 16-member Meghalaya contingent, including 14 junior boys and two girls, left for Odisha on Friday to participate in the Junior Boys and Girls National Kickboxing Championship scheduled to be held in Khurda from May 30 to June 3.
The team, fielded by the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association (MSKA), is being led by international kickboxer Daniella I W Mylliemngap of Lumparing Lumdorbar as coach.
The national championship is being organised by the Odisha State Kickboxing Association under the aegis of the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, the recognised National Sports Federation for kickboxing under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The federation is affiliated to the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO), headquartered in Italy.
The Meghalaya squad will compete across various categories including K1 Rules, Low Kick, Full Contact, Kick Light and Light Contact events in different weight divisions.
The team members include 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.
According to the association, the championship will be conducted in accordance with WAKO International Federation rules and the standard operating procedures issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
MSKA officials highlighted the state’s impressive achievements in the sport, stating that since August 2017, Meghalaya kickboxers have secured a total of 312 medals, including 101 gold, 99 silver and 112 bronze medals at various levels. The association has also won 67 international-standard medals and nine medals for North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) at the All India Inter-University Games since 2019.
At a warm send-off tea party organised before the team’s departure, well-wishers expressed confidence that the Meghalaya contingent would further add to the state’s growing medal tally in national kickboxing competitions.
