I secured a gold medal at the 4th WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Tournament in Delhi in February. This article reflects my experience at the tournament.
I never imagined that a casual decision to try kickboxing would catapult me onto an international stage. As a hostel student, I juggled academics and discipline, but I craved something thrilling. That’s when I decided to try kickboxing. Having a black belt in martial arts meant I wasn’t completely inexperienced, but stepping into a real fight was a whole different test.
Like a movie twist, my coach saw potential in me and gave me the chance to compete internationally. Nine countries, fierce competitors and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The catch? I had only 20 days to prepare. My body protested, my muscles screamed and exhaustion hit me like a knockout punch. However, my coach’s unwavering encouragement and three to four hours of daily training helped me prepare.
Fast forward to the big day. Doubts crept in and the scale of the audience in the stadium left me stunned. Though I started strong in the initial fight in the Light Contact category, I was defeated. I was devastated, feeling like even God had let me down. However, my coach encouraged me to be thankful for my loss and use it to improve. Then came my last shot, the Kick Light under-60kg category. One fight stood between me and a gold medal. My coach whispered, “You just have to win this one.” Though my heart raced, I wasn’t afraid this time. I meditated, visualised victory and repeated to myself, “I am made to win. I am NOT going home empty-handed.”
The bell rang and I fought like never before, not seeing my opponent as someone with more experience but as an equal. I ultimately won and secured the gold medal. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t only about winning a fight; it was about proving to myself that I was ready for triumph. Through this journey, I’ve learnt that setbacks pave the path for stronger comebacks.
Image for representational purposes
