Class 8 student Anupriya flying to Italy to participate in international kickboxing competition amid financial crisis

KOCHI: Kickboxing will be a demonstration sport at the next Olympics to be held in France and also as an event for medal competition in the Olympics at 2028. Anupriya, a Class 8 student of St Mary's Girls Higher Secondary school, Cherthala is about to fly to Italy to participate in an international kickboxing competition.

The international championship will be held in Italy from the 30th of this month to October 9. She will leave for Italy on September 28.

Mahesh, a private bus driver at Mannukuzhi in Cherthala and Smitha, a housewife, dreams of her daughter returning with a medal. So they borrowed money and pledged gold for Rs 4 lakh which was needed for Anupriya's expense.

Anupriya is a national silver medalist in grappling, which is similar to wrestling. She was introduced to kickboxing two and a half years ago by Aravind, who is Alappuzha district in-charge of the Kerala State Amateur Kickboxing Association. He also provided training.

She won bronze in the under 42 kg category at the WAKO India National Cadets and Junior Championship in Kolkata where 32 teams participated. She also became eligible for international competition.

Financial crisis

The family survives on Mahesh's meagre income. The flight ticket to send Anupriya to Italy cost about Rs 2,50,000. About Rs 2 lakh was also required for expenses and equipment. Mahesh and Smitha stood by their daughter's wish by borrowing money.

The family hopes to send their daughter to Italy without any obligations if they get help from the government or any person. Class 2 student Suraj is her brother.

Kickboxing

* Normally in boxing, the opponent can be punched in the face, in this, they can punch the body with the legs and arms.

*Strikes are classified as below waist, above waist and till forehead.

*Only kicking on opponent's body is allowed.

Anupriya's father says that he will send her to Italy no matter the difficulties they face. Her coach Aravind also assures that she has solid medal chances.