By Our Reporter
Shillong, Feb 6: Meghalaya’s kickboxers delivered an impressive performance at the 4th WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Tournament, held from February 1 to 5 at the K.D. Jadhav Hall, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, securing a total of 12 medals, including 4 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.
Among the gold medalists were Babit Kharsahnoh from Nongpyrdet in Ri-Bhoi District and Smit Liamthaw, who triumphed in the K1 Rules event in the below 51 kg Senior Men’s category.
Evangel Pohplet from Riat Laban Kynjat Phutbol clinched gold in the K1 Rules below 52 kg Women’s Senior category; she is also a BA 4th Semester student at Lady Keane College, Shillong. Lumjingsuk Iawphniaw from Mawten, South West Khasi Hills District, secured gold in the Low Kick 51 kg Senior Men’s category while pursuing his studies at Sngap Syiem College, Mawkyrwat. Derrick Dashankur Nongrum from Laitryngew claimed gold in the K1 Rules below 54 kg Junior category; he is a Class X student at St. John Bosco Higher Secondary School, Sohra.
The silver medalists included Samebaniar Lyngdoh Mawphlang of Tieh Nongbah village, now residing in Mawlai Umjaiur Block 4, who won silver in the Point Fighting below 18 kg Children’s category and is a student at Sacred Heart’s Girls Higher Secondary School.
Kerborlang Hing of Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi District, secured silver in the K1 Rules below 51 kg Senior Men’s category, while Dajied Kyrpang Synjri from Laitkor Rngi Lad Dewshyiap earned silver in the Kick Light below 37 kg Old Cadet Boys category as a student of St. Francis De Sales School, Laitkor. Malvin Lyngdoh Marshillong from Pyndengumiong, Mairang, bagged silver in the K1 Rules below 60 kg Senior Men’s category, and Joviality Lyngdoh Kynshi from Mairang claimed silver in the K1 Rules below 40 kg Junior Female category while studying at Langtor Higher Secondary School.The bronze medal winners were Sakibanshai Nongbri from Pyndengumiong, Mairang, who earned bronze in the K1 Rules below 54 kg Senior Men’s category while attending Mairang Presbyterian English Secondary School; Apbantei Marbaniang from Mairang, who secured bronze in the K1 Rules below 71 kg Senior Men’s category while studying at Khatsawphra College and Higher Secondary School; and Narimon Nongrum from Jatah Lakadong, Mawkynrew Block, who won bronze in the Low Kick below 48 kg Senior Women’s category.
This impressive medal haul highlights the rising talent in Meghalaya’s kickboxing scene, with many of the young athletes balancing their sporting achievements with their academic pursuits.