Shillong, Feb, 2: A contingent of 26 kickboxers and team officials of the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association departed for New Delhi on Sunday morning to participate in the 5th India Open International Kickboxing Tournament, scheduled to be held from February 4 to 8.
The team includes international athletes Daniella I.W. Mylliemngap of Lumparing Lumdorbar, Shillong, Medariphyla Lyngdoh Nongbri from Smit Lemthaw, along with Babit Kharsahnoh and Belldona Pakyntein from Mawkyrwat.
The Meghalaya squad consists of nine women and fourteen men kickboxers.
The contingent is being guided by licensed coaches Khrawjutang M. Kharsyntiew of Mairang and Fourwell Khongmalai of Wahkdait, Dawki, while Lorenzo Pearson Warjri, Honorary Working President of the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association and Executive Member of the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, is accompanying the team as an official.
Kickboxing is a recognised sporting discipline under the International Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Since 2017, kickboxers from Meghalaya have secured 257 medals for the state, including 92 gold, 69 silver and 96 bronze medals. The achievements also include 54 international medals and nine medals won by NEHU athletes at the All India University Games since 2019.
The association further informed that Meghalaya women kickboxers will represent the state at the East Zone Khelo India Asmita Women League to be held in Siliguri from February 26 to March 1, 2026, with participation expected from all nine states of the East Zone.
During a warm send-off function, Shri Shaiborlang Lyngdoh Mawphlang, President of the Meghalaya State Paralympics Association and General Secretary of the Blind Football Association, encouraged the athletes to maintain the state’s medal-winning momentum, stating that their achievements remain a matter of pride for Meghalaya and the region.
