Shillong, July 5: The Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association (MSKA), in association with Team Revolution MMA Gym, celebrated National Kickboxing Day, commemorating the recognition of the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation as the National Sports Federation (NSF) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on July 2, 2021.
Speaking on the occasion, Lorenzo Pearson Warjri, Working President of the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association, said the day holds special significance for kickboxing in India and Meghalaya. He noted that kickboxing has emerged as a rapidly growing global combat sport and is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with WAKO representing more than 130 affiliated nations.
Warjri said the recognition of WAKO India has enabled the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association, a recognised State Sports Association, to actively promote and develop the sport across the state. He highlighted that Meghalaya kickboxers have represented the country at World Cup competitions and participated in several international kickboxing tournaments since 2017.
Highlighting the association’s achievements, Warjri said that since its inception in August 2017, MSKA athletes have won 321 medals, comprising 104 gold, 102 silver and 115 bronze medals, including 67 international medals and nine medals at the NEHU All India Inter-University Games since 2019.
The celebration also honoured Daniella I. Wanda Mylliemngap of Lumparing Lumdorbar and Team Revolution MMA Gym for winning a bronze medal at the Asian Kickboxing Championship 2024 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She also represented India at the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Shaiborlang Lyngdoh Mawphlang, President of the Paralympics Association, praised Sambormi Lyngdoh, promoter of Team Revolution MMA Gym, for creating a platform that has helped nurture young martial artists and kickboxers in the state. He noted that the gym has consistently produced medal winners at regional, national and international competitions.
Addressing the gathering, Sambormi Lyngdoh, a decorated martial artist with achievements in karate, kickboxing, wushu and jujitsu, expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association for providing athletes with opportunities to compete at recognised national and international platforms.
As part of the celebrations, Daniella Mylliemngap cut the National Kickboxing Day cake and thanked the Meghalaya State Kickboxing Association, Team Revolution MMA Gym and her coach and mentor, Sambormi Lyngdoh, for their continued support.
The association also announced that preparations are underway for nearly 50 selected kickboxers from Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills, who will represent Meghalaya at the Senior and Masters Men & Women National Kickboxing Championship to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from August 1 to 5.
