4 from Senapati gear up for MMA event at Guwahati
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, January 18 2022:
Sport is a booming industry that offers numerous professional paths for the talented and serious persons who keep consistency with their profession.
But many parents do not encourage their children in the field though they are talented due to lesser known avenues for livelihood.
Against all odds and with lots of struggle and hard work, four boxers from Senapati district are doing quite well in their field and have been selected to participate in an Mixed Martial Art (MMA) event.
Of the four, three are PRO fighters and one is amateur.
Sadly the event, PRO MMA Fighters which was due to be held on January 23 at Greenwood Resort Guwahati was postponed due to surge in COVID-19 cases.
Speaking to this correspondent, RS Tokho George (26), son of RV Standhope from Ngairi Raidulomai village (Poumai), said he would be making his professional debut at the event.
RS Tokho George, who is a graduate, said that he has been training MMA at Combat Athletics Training Academy, Senapati since 2019 in pursuance of his own self interest and determination.
He also said that he has featured in MMA events hosted in Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Bengaluru and Guwahati.
Besii Ariijii, son of Sani Besii from Punanamei village (Mao) is another professional athlete who has been selected for the Guwahati event.
Besii said that MMA has been his passion and been receiving training at CATA since 2018 .
On being asked about his educational qualification, Besii said he is pursuing BA in correspondence as he has to give full time in sports.
The third athlete from Senapati selected for the event is Michael Rovei (20), son of Lt Eliah from Sorbung village (Poumai).
The 20 year old has shown promises in mixed martial arts and is the reigning champion of Club War 15 (Amateur fighters) which was held at Guwahati November last.
He is also a product of CATA, Senapati and has been receiving training at the gym since 2018 .
Talking to this correspondent, Michael said that he will be partaking in the Guwahati event as an amateur this time.
He said he has studied till Class 10 but yet to complete it.
Veinii Suffix (22), son of S Thole of Purul Akutpa village (Poumai) is another professional fighter who kicked off his training from CATA since 2014/2015 right after his matriculation.
He has also featured in many professional MMA events organised at Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Bangalore, Haryana, Guwahati and others.
On being asked about support and encouragement, all the fighters revealed that they recieve less encouragement while venturing into the sports from the family members and relatives.
It is also learnt that the fighters, saving Michael Rovei who emerged champions in Club War 15 and feted recently by few organisations and individuals, had not receive any financial support from any individual, organisation or the Government.
They however shared they are not disheartened and are giving their full strength and priority to achieve big and set a benchmark.
Mentioned may be made that Veinii Suffix is also set to represent India at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World championship to be held in either Germany or Netherlands.
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