By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 24: A contingent of 14 women kickboxers from Meghalaya, all medal winners at the Khelo India Asmita Women’s Zonal League (East Zone), departed for Chennai on Tuesday morning to compete in the upcoming national league.
The team, accompanied by coach Ibadahunshisha Rani, will take part in the Khelo India Asmita Women’s National Kickboxing League 2025–26, scheduled to be held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from March 26 to 29.
The athletes earned their berths after an impressive showing at the East Zone competition, which featured participants from 11 states and was held in Siliguri between February 26 and March 1.
Their qualification marks a significant achievement for the state, underlining the steady rise of women’s kickboxing in Meghalaya. The squad comprises Daniella I. Wanda Mylliemngap (60kg, low kick senior), Medariphylla Lyngdoh Nongbri (56kg, low kick senior), Isapynbiang Lyngdoh (28kg, point fighting younger cadet), Baiahunlang Mylliemngap (65kg, low kick senior), Damansani Kharsahnoh (45kg, point fighting senior), Ineshabahun Dkhar (52kg, low kick senior), Rikyntiew Nongrum (55kg, point fighting senior), Iaribynta Kharsahnoh (50kg, point fighting senior), Ariana N. Marwein (46kg, light contact older cadet), Mandasumar Nongphud (musical form, children hard style), Emiliana Papang (45kg, point fighting junior), Lidia Wahlang (52kg, low kick junior), Phidari Rani (52kg, low kick junior) and Emiliana Susngi (44kg, low kick junior).In recognition of their achievements at the zonal level, the medal winners are set to receive direct benefit cash incentives of ₹8,000, ₹6,000 and ₹4,000 respectively from the Sports Authority of India.
Prior to their departure, the team was accorded a warm send-off at a tea gathering hosted by Hotel Assembly, where officials of the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association, along with the honorary president of the Meghalaya Paralympics Association, extended their best wishes to the athletes.
Kickboxing’s inclusion in the Asmita League — a Government of India initiative aimed at promoting and strengthening women’s participation in sports — has opened up valuable opportunities for athletes across the country. For Meghalaya’s contingent, the Chennai leg now presents a chance to test their mettle on the national stage and further elevate the state’s growing reputation in the sport.
