In a unique gesture, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari welcomed all the Kickboxing players across India who are representing the Country in ‘WAKO World Seniors and Masters Kickboxing Championships 2021’ to be held from 15 to 24 October 2021 at Venice, Italy. He garlanded all of them and personally greeted each one of them by cheering up the spirit.
Giving the significance of Dussehra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari told the players “Dussehra marks the victory in the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. You have come here on this auspicious day and I wish all of you this winning spirit, go and make our country proud.”
The overwhelmed players were not only boosted but they were humbled by the gesture of the honourable governor.
Monojit Singha a journalist from Assam who accompanied the players said, “It was so great of the honourable Governor that he not only greeted players but literally charged them with go get the spirit.”
Singha further stated that “Each player had to pay lakhs of rupees from their own pocket to play for the motherland. No one helped them with basic travel lodging and boarding expenses. Such ace players were treated like bonded labour. One bed was shared by four senior players, and food I just can’t explain.”
Monojit Singha said, “The local organizers were just busy taking credits and approval for their so-called sports organization. What they need is government grants but they have no basic sentiment for the players and their background. But at the end I was just moved by the humble salutation by the Governor of Maharashtra, this is what makes these players get-go.”
Hiranya Kumar Barua, President, Amateur Kick-Boxing Association Assam who is also one of the participants said, “Governor Sir’s blessing means so much to me, I feel more responsible and now coming back with a medal is my utmost aim, I will get a medal and greet him with victory.”
There were other kickboxing players Jumi Basar from Arunachal Pradesh, Tach Chanu – Arunachal Pradesh, Hura Gambo – Arunachal, Hame Shaniah – Meghalaya, Karthik, Arun Karthik and Rafeez from Karela, Vivek Yadav – Haryana, youngest and only female player Santoshi from Telangana, Omkar Rajesh from Maharashtra, Vivek from Kerala, Abilash from Tamil Nadu, Durga from Andhra Pradesh and Suresh Babu, who is the Chief Coach of India, accompanied them.
