TOS Updates
Deepak Gurung: 06 Oct.2017 Sikkim which was not rated high on the sports front till some years ago has started to build its reputation in this field courtesy its sportspersons who are not only participating but also winning medals to bring glory to the state and the nation.
One such example is the brother-sister duo of Abhiraj and Avani Baniya who rocked the World Mac Games at Manchester, UK int the Kickboxing Championships by grabbing golds in their respective categories. Children to Santosh Baniya and Sushma Pradhan, 13 year old Abhiraj and 11 year old Avani have had participated in many national ad regional competitions prior to this mega event.
On being asked about how they feel on this achievement, they said it was a proud moment to represent the country at such a high level of competition and were happy that they could do it. They also said that being brother and sister also helped a lot as they could practice their moves and serve as practice partners for each other.
Rewinding to the early years of their sports career, it was Avani who was introduced to Kickboxing as a form of self defense when she was at the age of about 6. Her brother used to accompany her to the training. Later 'Coach Shensai' recognized Abhiraj could also make good strides on the sport and resulting he too started training. And today Sikkim has two champions in Abhiraj and Avani.
And being champions is not everyone's cup of tea. They trained 2 hours extra than their normal traning routine of 4 hours a day along with their coach for the international competition and sometimes even went beyond it. But they are happy their efforts bore fruits and did not go in vain. They asked everyone to stick to their dreams and never give up as if one tries they can achieve anything.
Parents Santosh and Sushma Baniya were also ecstatic on the achievement of their children. Being champions is one thing but raising champions also requires endless efforts. On being asked about this, they said, yes, it was difficult. Controlled diet, timed training schedules and small children were hard to control simultaneosly but their efforts paid off. Kickboxing is a combat sport and being parents, seeing the child get hit is not naturally acceptable but on this mother of the children, Sushma said that it does hurt but it is that kind of sport and she needs to stay strong and cheer their children for performing better every next match.
The parents also expressed heartiest thanks to Honble Chief Minister, Mr. Pawan Chamling, HRD Minister, Mr. R.B. Subba, coach Sheshai, former school St. Helen's , present school Little Bells', all the family members, and the residents of Rangpo without whom this achievement would not have been possible.
Sikkim has produced sporting prodigies over past few years and Abhiraj and Avani are on their way to make it to the list. We all wish them for their best future ahead.
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